Athanaze, rain deny South Africa in the first drawn Test of 2024

West Indies faced the threat of defeat in the rain-affected Trinidad Test, but a remarkable innings of 92 runs by Alik Athanaze changed the course of the match. The hosts managed to secure a draw in what seemed to be a certain loss. Without the rain interruptions, South Africa could have celebrated a victory.

At the end of the rain-affected fourth day, South Africa had scored 30 runs without losing a wicket in their second innings. On the final day, the Proteas’ batsmen accelerated their scoring. They declared their innings at 173 for 3 wickets. Stabbs scored 68 runs off 50 balls, including 2 sixes and 6 fours. Among the openers, Tony de Georghi scored 45 off 60 balls, while Aiden Markram made 38 off 48 balls.

West Indies had a target of 298 runs set before them in two sessions. South Africa aimed to dismiss them quickly, and the start seemed promising as they lost the captain, Craig Brathwaite, within the first 3 balls of the innings. Another opener, Mikhail Lewis, could not add more than 9 runs. Kishore Carti then found a partner in Alik Athanaze.

In his eighth Test match, Athanaze was outstanding, scoring 92 runs and ensuring the Test ended in a draw when he returned to the pavilion. This innings is his career best in Tests. Carti contributed 31 runs off 54 balls before being dismissed, while Athanaze held one end firmly. Kivem Hodge added 29 runs.

Jason Holder also played a crucial role in blocking the Proteas' chances of victory, scoring 31 runs off 76 balls. Athanaze was eventually dismissed for 92 runs off 116 balls by Keshav Maharaj. With West Indies at 201 for 5 wickets, the match ended in a draw.