Fast bowler Dale Steyn starred again as South Africa secured a 163-run victory over the West Indies in the opening Test on Sunday.
Steyn took 3 for 65 as the West Indies, chasing 457 for victory, were bowled out for 293 just before the rescheduled close on the fourth day at the Queen’s Park Oval.
The South African quick ended the match with figures of eight for 94 to earn the man of the match award.
Steyn bowled Nelon Pascal off an inside-edge for 10, when the West Indies tail-ender tried a flamboyant one-legged pull.
Fellow-paceman Morne Morkel supported Steyn with two for 49 from 12 overs, while left-arm spinner Paul Harris took two for 91 from 26.3 overs.
The victory gave the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series, which continues on Friday in St Kitts.
“Our bowlers were running on fumes there at the end, and it was not made any easier for us with them struggling with the run-ups from one end and a soft landing,” South Africa captain Graeme Smith said.
“It was another hot day and we have had to work a little bit harder. The pitch was not conducive to really exciting Test match cricket. It was about a long, hard graft and we did that well, and we have won in three and a half days, so I am happy,” he said.
The South Africans had declared on 206 for four in their second innings, 1 hour, 20 minutes before lunch, after Smith had fallen for the top score of 90.
The Proteas then sweated through the remainder of the day to condemn the West Indies to defeat despite 73 from West Indies captain Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo’s enterprising 49 and Sulieman Benn’s entertaining 42.
“It’s stating the obvious that our batting was again the main problem and getting 102 in the first innings always put us on the back-foot,” Gayle said.
“I thought we started the Test fairly well on the first day, but we allowed things to slip away on the second day and things gradually got better for South Africa,” he said.
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