West Indies fightback after de Zorzi and Markram fifties

South Africa 311 for 7 (Markram 96, de Zorzi 85, Motie 3-75) vs West Indies

Johannesburg: South Africa dominated the first two sessions of the day, however, the West Indies bowlers brought their side back into the game in the final session of play.

Aiden Markram (96) and Tony de Zorzi (85) starred for the Proteas, while Gudakesh Motie (3/75), Kyle Mayers (2/24) and Jason Holder (1/39) were the pick of West Indies bowlers as the hosts finished on 311/7 at the end of day’s play.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma elected to bat first on a relatively dry surface after winning the toss.

South Africa batters were on top of their game for most of the day in conditions favourable for batting, even as West Indies bowlers struggled with their lengths initially.

West Indies got their first breakthrough courtesy an impatient sweep by Dean Elgar (42), which was grasped at short third man by Roston Chase off the bowling of Gudakesh Motie.

However, the Proteas soon regained lost ground on the back of some proactive batting from Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi.

The duo added 116 runs for the second wicket.

West Indies got their second breakthrough after Markram fell four short of his century while trying to play a sweep off Motie.

It was after de Zorzi was bowled off a brilliant delivery from Motie that West Indies clawed their way back into the game.

South Africa lost four wickets for 33 runs in roughly 14 overs to leave Heinrich Klaasen (17*) as the last recognized batter at the crease at the end of the day’s play.

Yet, with 311 runs in their kitty, and two spinners in the side, South Africa would believe they have the upper hand on a surface that is supposed to take turn as the game progresses.