West Indies Struggle against South Africa

West Indies, at 97 for 7, find themselves trailing South Africa's first innings total of 160 by 63 runs after a dramatic first day of the Test match in Guyana, where 17 wickets fell on a lively pitch at Providence Stadium.

Shamar Joseph made an impressive home debut, claiming five wickets, but Wiaan Mulder's career-best 4 for 18 overshadowed his efforts. The pitch offered swing, seam movement, and good carry, propelling the series decider into fast-forward.

Unlike the rain-affected and slow-paced Trinidad Test, this match saw action unfold rapidly under clear skies. Despite both captains wanting to bat first, it turned into a bowler's day, with fast bowlers delivering 68 of the 82.2 overs and taking 15 wickets. Only Jason Holder, from either side's top six, managed to score more than 30, while a record 10th-wicket partnership of 63 between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger gave South Africa a slight edge.

The ball started moving from the outset, with Aiden Markram surviving an edge past slip after opening the scoring with a cover drive off Holder. At the other end, Jayden Seales repeatedly troubled left-hander Tony de Zorzi, eventually bowling him in the fourth over. 

Joseph made an impactful entry in the seventh over, claiming his first wicket on his home ground by knocking over Markram’s off stump. He followed up with the dismissal of Temba Bavuma, trapping him lbw for a second-ball duck. South Africa were reduced to 20 for 3 at the first drinks break. 

David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs tried to stabilise the innings, but both had narrow escapes before Stubbs was eventually caught at slip off Holder, just before lunch, leaving South Africa at 64 for 4.

After the break, Joseph continued his form by dismissing Bedingham, who was caught behind, and Seales removed Wiaan Mulder with a peach of a delivery that found the outside edge. South Africa was in trouble at 97 for 9, but Piedt’s aggressive batting helped them past 141, their lowest Test score in the West Indies, before they were eventually bowled out for 160.

In response, West Indies stumbled early in their innings. Rabada and Burger made early inroads, and Mulder further dented the batting lineup with a series of key wickets, reducing West Indies to 47 for 5. Jason Holder fought back with an aggressive 33 and shared a 41-run partnership with Gudakesh Motie, but South Africa struck again late in the day, leaving West Indies 63 runs behind with only three wickets in hand. The stage is set for a thrilling Day 2.