In The Wanderers on Saturday, South Africa defeated West Indies by a score of 284 runs to win all two games of the series. Captain Temba Bavuma scored a career-high 172, and Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee each took three wickets.
On day four, South Africa had given the tourists an implausible 391-run target for victory, but they were skittled out for 106 in 35.1 overs as spinners Harmer and Coetzee took advantage of the turn that was available to record 3-45 and 3-37, respectively.
Joshua Da Silva led the West Indies in scoring during the innings with 34, although as has been the case throughout the series, they fought to fend off the domestic attack on fast and bouncer surfaces.
At the post-game presentation, Bavuma said, “I think from the time we made the decision regarding the team makeup (playing two spinners), we were hoping the circumstances would wind up playing this way and happily we got it correct.
“The men performed their roles. Kesh played pretty well, Simon. I’m overjoyed and content that I could help.”
South Africa may have paid a price for the victory, as spinner Keshav Maharaj had to be stretchered off the pitch after injuring himself while joyously celebrating a wicket.
Bavuma, who had reached three figures for just the second time in his 56-match career, was looking to achieve his first test double-century as South Africa started day four on 287 for seven.
However, he only added one run to his overnight total before Kemar Roach caught him off the superb Jason Holder’s bowling (3-48).
West Indies eventually defeated the hosts for 321, surpassing South Africa’s score from their first innings, although they never appeared likely to chase down the winning goal.
The visitors were soon reeling on 34-6 as fast bowler Kagiso Rabada (2-19), who has been battling a back injury lately, picked up the visiting captain Kraigg Brathwaite (18) for the fourth time in as many innings.
Harmer and Maharaj (2-4) caused the most harm by bamboozling the West Indies batters with some brilliant cunning on a surface that was supportive.
Before Coetzee wrapped off the proceedings with three late wickets, they smashed through the middle order.
Brathwaite stated, “The bowlers grabbed 40 wickets throughout the series, and that’s a terrific accomplishment.
“We weren’t adequate at the plate. Simply put, we didn’t score enough runs. They are a very effective attack, South Africa. We haven’t scored enough runs away from home.”
Beginning on Thursday in East London, the teams will play a three-match One-Day International series, which will be followed by three Twenty20 International contests.
