Shamar Joseph Shines with Maiden Five Wickets at Home as 17 Fall on Day 1 of West Indies Vs South Africa 2nd Test

Young West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph had a memorable Day 1 of the 2nd Test against South Africa in Providence, Guyana. Not only did he take his maiden wicket on home soil, but he also went on to claim his first-ever five-wicket haul at home. Joseph's impressive figures of 5/33 played a crucial role in bundling out South Africa for 160 runs in just 54 overs. The fast bowlers dominated proceedings, showcasing their skills on a challenging pitch.

In reply, SA all-rounder Wiaan Mulder picked up 4/18 as the hosts struggled to 97/7 in 28.2 over with Jason Holder batting on 33. Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales started the rot right at the top, with the former bowling out SA opener Aiden Markram – who shouldered arms to an incoming delivery – for 14 to claim his first wicket at home.

The young pacer then went on to dismiss SA skipper Temba Bavuma for a duck, David Bedingham caught behind for 28, Kyle Verreynne bowled for 21 and Keshav Maharaj bowled for duck.

A 5️⃣fer on home soil! Absolute bliss for Shamar!#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/dONCWEQyKa

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024

“I think it’s a great feeling, especially at home. Taking another five-wicket haul is a great feeling for me. To be fair I haven’t played many games at Providence,” Shamar Joseph said after the opening day’s play on Thursday.

“But I just did what the team needed and what I was supposed to bowl. It’s a great feeling, with mom, dad and siblings here. I think Jason Holder will bowl very well tomorrow and then Jomel Warrican and myself. It’s all about the support. Going out there and supporting the senior batsman Jason,” he added.

Seam-bowling allrounder Wiaan Mulder picked up a wicket for South Africa in each of his first three overs and was a career-best 4-18 overall to leave the West Indies at 97 for seven at stumps on Thursday, trailing by 63 runs.

“I think today the ball stayed quite low so for me it was just about trying to hit the stumps as often as possible. Maybe I wasn’t at my best but I had a lot going for me. Shamar bowled brilliantly, I tried to replicate that. He’s of course a lot quicker than me but I tried to get that quick bounce,” Mulder said.

“I think there was a little bit more in the pitch than in Trinidad, so it worked out for me. I enjoy playing in the West Indies. I try to do my best whenever I get a chance,” he added.

Jason Holder top-scored for the home side with 33 not out while Dan Piedt was unbeaten on 38 for South Africa at Providence Stadium. Piedt and Nandre Burger (23) combined for a record 10th-wicket partnership of 63 to help give South Africa the first-day advantage. Fast bowlers took 15 of the 17 wickets and bowled 68 of the 82.2 overs.

The teams played to a rain-affected draw in the first Test in Trinidad. The two-test series will be followed by three T20 matches.