Alick Athanaze’s 92 saves West Indies from defeat in draw against South Africa

Alick Athanaze fell just shy of a maiden test century and played a crucial innings of 92 runs in leading the West Indies to a draw on day 5 against South Africa in the 1st Test. A performance of intent and aggression from Alick Athanaze resulted in both teams taking a share of the spoils.

The first match of the series was scheduled to take place at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. On the final day of the series, the Africans declared their innings at 173 with 3 wickets down by setting up a target of 298 runs for the West Indies.

The host country was left with over two sessions of play when they lost two quick wickets. However, Athanaze played a knock of 92 runs in 116 ball to help his side manage a draw. He received a crucial support from Jason Holder for fifth-wicket and led the nation from 127 runs for four to 201-5 by the end of the match.

Following the match, Alick Athanaze expressed his disappointment on missing his first test hundred. However, he added that for him, the result of the match is always more important than getting 100, he stated that he would have loved to score a hundred but getting closer to it also means a lot to him.

He stated that he tried a bit hard to get to hundred but he couldn’t do it. Moreover, he also acknowledged Jason and thanked him for his crucial support and the partnership they formed for the fifth wicket. He also talked about representing his country on an international platform and stated that it is always overwhelming for him to play for West Indies and make all Caribbeans proud.

Moreover, the captain of West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite shared the intention of everyone in the locker room of going after the win on the final day of the test. While talking about the match, the captain noted that they had 100 runs to win, and they were totally confident that they would have made those runs if rain had not interrupted them.

He stated that they are optimistic about the other two games and is aiming to emerge victorious by defeating South Africa with better margin, aiming to improve their run rate and stats for World Test Championship.

Notably, West Indies will now face South Africa in Guyana at the National Providence Stadium for the next two test matches that is left to be played.

The players that have been selected in the squad for the series against South Africa include, Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain); Joshua Da Silva (Vice-Captain), Mikyle Louis, Jason Holder, Tevin Imlach, Alick Athanaze, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, Kemar Roach, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty and Bryan Charles.