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South Africa outbowls Windies

Thursday, January 29 2004

A brilliant catch by Lance Klusener off his own bowling ended a spirited effort by the last wicket pair of the West Indies, to seal a tight victory for South Africa. In a rather bizarre game, South Africa managed to successfully defend 179 runs after yet another West Indian batting collapse.

When the ninth West Indian wicket fell at 126, most would have put the result down to yet another disappointing defeat. Still young Ravi Rampaul sustained ambition and fought on for the cause with Collymore, who grew in confidence with time. Surely enough the runs came and the partnership reached 37 runs before Klusener's reintroduction did the trick.

Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat first once again. Disciplined bowling from Dillon and Collymore saw the score at 20/2 within the first ten overs, with Gibbs (10) and Smith (9) the men departed. Form batsman Kallis struggled uncharacteristically before Ravi Rampaul dismissed him for a relatively harmless 16.

Rudolph (14) partnered a determined Dippenaar to 103, when he was caught by Rampaul to grant Gayle (1/24) his first wicket. From there in only Pollock (26) managed to accompany the solo show of Dippenaar as he batted for a crucial 83 from 123 balls, an innings which included eight boundaries. He was the last man out and South Africa closed on 179/7 in their fifty overs. Corey Collymore was well-rewarded with 3/25 from his allotment.

Once more the West Indian reply saw disaster straight away. Chanderpaul (2), Gayle (9) and Powell (15) fell to show 29/3. Sarwan (12) and Lara (9) doubled the score and then both were run out within 16 runs of each other - 74/5. Dwayne Smith (24) and Ridley Jacobs rallied the troupes somewhat, but Kallis accounted for both and the score sat disastrously placed at 104/7. Things got worse when Hurley (5) and Dillon (14), after launching a six, perished in the cause - 126/9.

Ravi Rampaul now batted with the youthful enthusiasm and belief of a victory still within grasp, and for a while it looked like he might pull through. Alas the tourists fell but 17 runs short, missing a perfect opportunity to level the the five-match series at one apiece. Brilliant as usual, Shaun Pollock snared 4/26.

Match Summary:

South Africa 179/7 (50 overs)
HH Dippenaar 83 [123], SM Pollock 26 [30]
CD Collymore 3/25 [10], M Dillon/R Rampaul/RO Hurley/CH Gayle 1 each

West Indies 163 ao [42.4 overs]
DR Smith/R Rampaul 24 [34], Extras 22
SM Pollock 4/26 [10], JH Kallis 2/21 [6]

Result: South Africa won by 16 runs
Series: 2-0 (SA)
Man of the Match: HH Dippenaar (SA)

Posted by Liam