South Africa secured their 10th consecutive Test series victory against West Indies with a crucial 40-run win in Guyana, marking their second victory in the World Test Championship 2023-25. Keshav Maharaj became the most successful spinner in South African Test history with 171 wickets, surpassing previous records by taking five wickets in this match and 13 overall in the series. Despite an outstanding effort by Jayden Seales, who claimed 12 wickets over two matches, including a career-best 6 for 61 in South Africa’s second innings, West Indies fell short in their chase of 263.
Maharaj Sets Record
After a shaky start, West Indies were at 104 for 6, but a 77-run partnership between hometown player Gudakesh Motie and Joshua Da Silva brought them close to victory. However, South Africa’s dependable bowlers, Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, eventually clinched the win, stifling the West Indies’ lower order despite their valiant efforts.
The series was challenging for batters, with no centuries recorded across both Tests, and the West Indies struggling to form substantial partnerships. In contrast, South Africa’s batsmen managed to secure key half-century partnerships, including a decisive 63-run 10th wicket stand between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger in the first innings.
The pitch in Guyana provided swing, seam movement, and bounce, favoring bowlers. Shamar Joseph enjoyed his first home Test with a 5 for 33 performance in the first innings, but South Africa’s collective bowling strength made the difference. Wiaan Mulder, playing as the third seamer, was crucial with both the bat and ball, taking six wickets and contributing an important 34 runs in the second innings.
Set a target of 263, West Indies lost early wickets, with Mulder and Rabada making breakthroughs. Kraig Braithwaite’s resistance was short-lived, and a strong bowling performance from South Africa kept the pressure on. Motie and Da Silva brought West Indies back into contention, but Maharaj’s bowling proved too much, as he dismissed both players to break their resistance.
Rabada Nears 300
With Rabada just one wicket shy of 300, South Africa continued their attack. Maharaj eventually sealed the victory, dismissing Seales and overtaking Hugh Tayfield as South Africa’s leading Test spinner. Despite West Indies’ efforts, they couldn’t withstand South Africa’s relentless bowling, falling short in their chase and leaving South Africa to celebrate another series win.
Match summary
SA won by 40 runs
Test 2 of 2 (South Africa wins 1 to 0), Day 3 · Session 3
15–18 Aug
Player of the Series: Keshav Maharaj(SA)
Player of the Match: Wiaan Mulder(SA)4/32 & 2/35 & 34
South Africa :160 · 1st innings
| Dane Piedt 38* (60) | Shamar Joseph5/33 (14) |
| David Bedingham28 (54) | Jayden Seales3/45 (14) |
West Indies :144 · 1st innings
| Jason Holder54* (88) | Wiaan Mulder4/32 (9) |
| Keacy Carty26 (37) | Nandre Burger3/49 (12) |
South Africa : 246 · 2nd innings
| Kyle Verreynne59 (78) | Jayden Seales6/61 (18.4) |
| Aiden Markram51 (108) | Jomel Warrican2/21 (9) |
West Indies :222 · 2nd innings
| Gudakesh Motie45 (59) | Keshav Maharaj3/37 (11.2) |
| Kavem Hodge29 (38) | Kagiso Rabada3/50 (16) |
Playing XI
South Africa – Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger
West Indies – Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva(w), Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
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