West Indies made all the efforts to get best South Africa in their own backyard but it was about holding their nerves and winning those last moments and West Indies failed to capitalise on that. Maybe Temba Bavuma was too exceptional a man on his day, and West Indies were only playing to the conditions.
Temba Bavuma Masterclass
South Africa is now 356 runs ahead and considering the behaviour of pitch, the ball is zipping with extra bounce, that is already enough. Temba Bavuma is batting on 171, an additional 29 runs will bring him his first test career double century.
Coming to bat at 2 for 8, Bavuma picked one end and decided to bat long in the day, however, he couldn’t find a consistent partner but that didn’t deter his concentration. The biggest partnership for South Africa was between Temba Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder, adding 103 runs for sixth wicket.
The most important thing about Bavuma’s innings was that he looked promising throughout his 275 balls stay. As he completed his century, a bit of fist pump in the air and expression of seriousness, that’s how he celebrated the milestone and his father soaked in emotions applaud his son’s efforts from the stands.
Things Are Under Control For South Africa
When teams chase more than 300 in the fourth innings of a test match at the Wanderers, it usually results in a failed mission. So, West Indies will have a tough job at hand but not impossible. Before going on to that prospect, they need to take the last three wickets with minimum expenditure.
In this series, South Africa has lost wickets in clusters and that has been a big problem to deal for them, it hasn’t cost them match but a point that will thoughtfully analyse and fix it. Aiden Markram had this great opportunity to open and he made best of it but the middle order is still inexperienced, can be exposed and undone under domineering pressure.
West Indies has missed the trick with the ball, it can be said that they couldn’t use the Kookaburra as well as they use Dukes ball, as explained by Ian Bishop during the first test. But Alzarri Joseph has impressed throughout the series, picking up wickets, often late but definitely making mark of his presence.