SA vs WI: Big setback to South Africa in WTC, West Indies draws lost Test, Alec Athanage stood like a wall

Thanks to Alec Athanage's (92) fighting innings, West Indies have drawn the lost match against South Africa. In the second innings, West Indies stood firm at 201 for five. Both team captains Temba Bavuma and Craig Brathwaite finally shook hands and declared the match a draw.

South Africa declared the second innings on the fifth day at 173 for three and gave West Indies a target of 298 runs to win. In response to this, West Indies, who came to bat in the second innings, had a bad start and at one time they lost three wickets for 64 runs. It seemed that South African bowler Keshav Maharaj would wrap up the second innings of West Indies soon. Captain Craig Brathwaite (zero), and Michael Lewis (9) were dismissed. In such a time of crisis, Alec Athanage first shared a 63-run partnership with Casey Carty for the fourth wicket. Casey Carty (31) and then Kavem Hodge (29) were dismissed. Alec Athanage played a fighting innings of 92 runs. Jason Holder (31) remained unbeaten. West Indies scored 201 runs for five wickets in 56.2 overs.

Keshav Maharaj took four wickets for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada dismissed one batsman. Earlier, South Africa had started playing the second innings at 30 runs without any loss. Tony DeGeorge was dismissed after scoring 45 runs and Aiden Markram after scoring 38 runs.

Both were dismissed by Jomel Warrican. Tristan Stubbs stroked a fine 68-run innings. He was bowled out by Kemar Roach's ball. After Stubbs was dismissed, South Africa declared the innings at 173 runs for three wickets and gave West Indies a target of 298 runs to win on the basis of 124 runs lead in the first innings and 173 runs in the second. Jomel Warrican took two wickets for West Indies. Kemar Roach dismissed one batsman.

Earlier, South Africa's Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada bowled well and sent West Indies to 233 runs in the first innings. South Africa got a lead of 124 runs on the basis of the first innings. West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite and Michael Lewis started the innings well. Both batsmen added 53 runs for the first wicket. But in front of the excellent bowling of South Africa, no West Indies batsman could stay on the pitch for long. Michael Lewis, 35, Craig Brathwaite, 35, Jason Holder, 36, and Kavem Hodge, 25 all got dismissed. Casey Carty scored the highest for the team with 42. Jomel Warrican remained unbeaten with 35.

Keshav Maharaj took four wickets for South Africa while Kagiso Rabada got three wickets. Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram dismissed one batsman each. South Africa won the toss and batted first and scored 357 runs thanks to useful innings of captain Temba Bavuta's 86, Tony DeGeorge's 78 half-centuries, Kyle Verreynne's 39 runs, and Wiaan Mulder's unbeaten 41 runs. Bowling for West Indies, Jommel Warrican took four wickets while Jaden Seals took three, Kemar Roach took two, and Jason Holder took one wicket.