West Indies v South Africa
2nd Test, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, 17-21 Mar 2001
SOUTH AFRICA WON BY 69 RUNS
& Lead series 1-0

SOUTH AFRICA TOO STRONG

Day 1 - The tourists again had the upper hand with their top-order batsmen putting the foundations of a sizeable total on the board, before a late collapse brought the West Indies back into contention.

Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten started breezily, adding 62 for the first wicket, then Jacques Kallis and Darryl Cullinan put on 99 for the third wicket, taking them to promising 161-2 after 50 overs. But from then on the runs dried up, and when Boucher departed at 221-5, the wheels fell off big time. The last six wickets fell for just 45, snatching away the south African's initial advantage. Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle survived on over till the close. Game on!

Day 2 - West Indies battled through a tough day in Port-of-Spain, as Hinds and then skipper Carl Hooper scored fifties to take them within touching distance of a second consecutive first-innings lead. Donald and Pollock bowled with hostility, but all the West Indian middle-order got a start and contributed. Samuels and Sarwan got thirties, while Lara was confined to 12 before Ntini dismissed him.

Day 3 - West Indies added a further 85 runs for the last three wickets, as Ridley Jacobs guided the tail, and his side into a handy lead. His 93 not out, included 12 fours, he also added 71 for the ninth wicket with Merv Dillon (21 in 87 balls). Shaun Pollock finished with 3 for 55 from 28 tight overs.

South Africa began 56 behind, and reached 38 without loss, before three balls from Courtney Walsh changed the innings, and altered Test history, as Jacques Kallis was adjudged lbw second ball, Walsh had his 500th Test wicket. A phenomenal feat from a legendary fast-bowler, he deserves all the praise and plaudits he gets. After the moment of joy passed, Gibbs and Darryl Cullinan went about wiping off the deficit and taking the tourists into a 74 run lead. With two days to go, the match seems well-set for a result, both teams have the chance tomorrow to take hold.

Day 4 - Courtney Walsh showed the skills and persistence of line and length as he bowled West Indies into a fighting position on day four. His six for 61, backed up be three wickets for Merv Dillon, again saw South Africa fail to capitalize on a solid start from the top four. Herschelle Gibbs continued his return to form and added 149 with Daryll Cullinan, to put the tourists in the box seat at 187 for two. But Walsh and Dillon fought back, as the last eight South African wickets only added 100 runs. At the close West Indies require 200 in a day, with Wavell Hinds already gone.

Richard Kendall