West Indies Struggles Continue Against South Africa in First Test
- Keshav Maharaj took three crucial wickets during Day 3 of the first Test, hampering West Indies' progress.
- Despite the rain interruptions, West Indies fell 212 runs behind South Africa.
- The team's struggle reflects a challenging match situation amidst adverse weather conditions.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — The West Indies faced a challenging Day 3 in the first test against South Africa at the Queen’s Park Oval, trailing by 212 runs as Keshav Maharaj's impressive bowling performance stifled the hosts. Maharaj delivered a relentless 28-over spell, claiming three wickets and significantly impacting West Indies' batting efforts. Despite rain interruptions that delayed play for about 90 minutes, the West Indies could only manage 145-4 by the end of the day, having lost three wickets in quick succession. The West Indies' batting lineup faltered after a promising start, collapsing from 114-1 to 124-4. Keacy Carty, who was the top scorer for the team with 42 runs, fell victim to Maharaj, alongside Alick Athanaze. Jason Holder and Kavem Hodge managed to stabilize the innings temporarily, but the pressure from South Africa's bowlers remained high as the day concluded. Earlier in the day, the West Indies successfully wrapped up South Africa's first innings at 357 all out, with Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales leading the charge with four and three wickets, respectively. South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi were the standout performers with the bat, scoring 86 and 78 runs. The match has been marked by rain disruptions, with only 15 overs played on the first day. The West Indies entered this series following a disappointing 3-0 defeat in England, where two tests concluded within three days. The ongoing two-test series will be succeeded by three T20 matches.