West Indies v South Africa: Wickets tumble on first day in Guyana

Bowlers reigned supreme on the opening day of the second Test between the West Indies and South Africa at Providence Stadium in Guyana.

A total of 17 wickets fell on Thursday, with only 257 runs scored.

West Indian quick Shamar Joseph had a home debut to remember, claiming five wickets as the hosts restricted South Africa to only 160 runs.

The home side also struggled with the bat, however, as the scorecard read 97/7 at the end of day one.

Providence pitch terrorising batters

Batsmen enjoyed favourable conditions at Queen’s Park Oval last week, in stark contrast to what Providence Stadium produced on Thursday.

South Africa chose to bat first after winning the toss, but soon they were made to regret their decision.

The West Indian seamers tormented the visitors’ batting lineup with incredible swing and bounce, and the Proteas needed a 10th-wicket stand of 63 between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger to reach 160.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma, however, was delighted to see his bowlers thriving on the Providence surface as well.

Wiaan Mulder spearheaded the charge with a four-wicket haul, leaving the home team 63 runs behind with only three wickets in hand.

Jason Holder, who ended the day unbeaten on a match-high 33 runs, will be instrumental to the West Indies’ hopes of avoiding a first-innings deficit.

Draw odds blow out after chaotic opening day

After the first day, cricket bookmakers are confident that the Guyana Test will not end undecided like the first Test.

With four days of play remaining and the first two innings of the match nearly complete, a result looks likely unless rain intervenes dramatically.

South Africa will believe they were unlucky not to win the first Test in Trinidad.

After a dominant bowling performance, there will be increased faith in the Proteas’ camp that they will be able to make amends in Guyana.

The tourists are now paying -344.83 with Bovada to win the match, while the West Indies are at +260 to square the series.

With wickets tumbling left and right, odds for the draw have blown out to +9000.

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