What promised to be an intriguing Test Match between 2 cricket heavyweights petered out to a draw on a benign Sabina Park pitch. Once again, the West Indian bowlers flattered to deceive, although they were at their best on day 1 when South Africa were skittled for 193. 'Whispering Death', Michael Holding was magnificent, taking 5 for 42.
The home team dominated day 2 as well, with Greenidge (135) and local legend George Headley (86) pushing the score to 265-3 at stumps, a lead of 72. South Africa's resilience showed itself again as 6 West Indian wickets fell for 45 on day 3. 346 all out, and a first innings lead for West Indies of 153, was laudable but put into perspective by South Africas 2nd innings. Barry Richards, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis were all centurions and Smith declared at 423-4 on the 5th afternoon after seemingly learning his lesson against Pakistan.
The hosts lost 4 wickets in the nominal pursuit of 271 in 38 overs, plus the last hour, but at least Sobers had the satisfaction of a 2nd fifty in the match. Both Kallis and Amla showed their best batting of the series and Amla just shaded the man of the match award for his defiant 1st Innings 88 and marathon 2nd knock of 129.
West Indies are still without a win and their bowlers need to find a way to take 20 wickets. Curtley Ambrose has still to hit his stride and needs to start taking wickets. The West Indies quicks will not get much help in their next game as they head off to Kanpur next to take on India.
South Africas poor run of form on the road will hopefully be put to bed as they return home and face Sri Lanka at Durban. Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan will be the big factors for Sri Lanka and they'll need to be on form against one of the most formidable batting lineups in the tournament.
South Africa 1st Innings 193-10 (72 Ov)
HM Amla 88, JH Kallis 57, MA Holding 5-42, MD Marshall 3-14
West Indies 1st Innings 346-10 (124.2 Ov)
CG Greenidge 135, GA Headley 86, GS Sobers 54, AA Donald 4-69, MJ Procter 2-42, JH Kallis 2-60
South Africa 2nd Innings 423-4 (163 Ov)
HM Amla 129, BA Richards 118, JH Kallis 101*, MD Marshall 2-55
West Indies 2nd Innings 159-4 (53 Ov)
GS Sobers 69*, PJL Dujon 28*, GA Headley 25, HJ Tayfield 2-32, VD Philander 2-48
Match Drawn
Man of the Match : HM Amla
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