South Africa looked much improved at the end of the second day of the second Test against the West Indies at Providence in Georgetown.

Tony de Zorzi and Aidan Markram set up a strong 79-run opening stand to create a platform for the rest of the day. De Zorzi scored 39 before being dismissed by Jayden Seales. Markram scored a much-needed 51, ending a three-year drought of an overseas half-century. He, however, was bowled by Gudakesh Motie after tea.

Tristan Stubbs once again put up a decent score at number three, hitting 24 before also going down to the bowling of Seales. Captain Temba Bavuma again failed to put an innings together and Motie sent him back to the pavilion with only 4 on the board. Newcomer David Beddington was bowled by Seales for a duck and the Proteas teetered on 139 for 5.

‘I believe we can chase anything they give us’

But Kyle Verreyne (50*) and Wiaan Mulder (34*) steadied the ship and their 26 runs in the last four overs put South Africa’s noses in front heading into the third day. 

Earlier on Friday, West Indies continued their first innings on 97 for 7, but an unbeaten 54 by Jason Holder added 47 more runs to the board before the team was dismissed for 144, a 16-run deficit. After the day’s play, Holder told media the first session on day three would be crucial for them.

“The most important thing is not to let the runs get too far away, let them sweat a little bit more for their runs, and I believe, with the amount of time left in the game, we can chase anything they give us,” he said. South Africa was 223 for 5 at close of play and now has a 239-run lead over the West Indies going into day three. 

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger