South Africa Steady Amid Rain Disruptions in First Test Against West Indies
- South Africa scored 45 runs for 1 wicket at stumps on a rain-affected opening day of the first Test against West Indies.
- Only 15 overs were bowled due to the poor weather at Queen’s Park Oval.
- The match is crucial for both teams, as they look to establish an early lead in the Test series.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — The first test match between South Africa and the West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval faced significant interruptions due to rain on its opening day. By the end of the day, South Africa had reached a score of 45-1 after just 15 overs, with play halted early due to a wet outfield. The match began with South Africa winning the toss and opting to bat first, but rain forced an early lunch and ultimately led to stumps being called at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. The South African innings started steadily, with Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi forming a solid opening partnership of 43 runs. However, the West Indies' Jason Holder made an early breakthrough, dismissing Markram for 9 runs in his only over. The West Indies bowlers, particularly Kemar Roach, managed to keep the scoring in check, with Roach delivering three maidens in his five overs, finishing with figures of 0-6. As play concluded for the day, de Zorzi remained unbeaten on 32, alongside Tristan Stubbs, who had yet to score. The West Indies entered this series on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat in England, with two of those matches concluding in less than three days. The current two-test series will be followed by three T20 matches, adding further excitement to the cricketing calendar.