Debutant Tahir shines for S Africa
Friday, 25 February 2011
NEW DELHI, Feb 24 (AFP): Leg-spinner Imran Tahir snared four wickets on debut as South Africa bundled out the West Indies for 222 off 47.3 overs despite a fine 73 by Darren Bravo in a World Cup Group B match Thursday.
Tahir (4-41) was well supported by off-spinner Johan Botha who opened the attack and gave the Proteas key breakthroughs in the spin-dominated day-night clash at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
The duo justified the decision of captain Graeme Smith to field three specialist spinners on a ground which is hosting its first international in a year after being banned for a dangerous playing surface.
Darren Bravo led the West Indies charge with his 82-ball knock while his older half-brother Dwayne chipped in with a 37-ball 40 with three sixes and a four after the Caribbean side were put in to bat.
Bravo also shared 111 runs for the second wicket with opener Devon Smith after the early dismissal of Chris Gayle.
Botha, sharing the new ball with fast bowler Dale Steyn, struck off the third ball of the innings to remove Gayle who tried to play on the leg-side but edged it to first slip where Jacques Kallis took a low catch.
Botha (2-48) struck again in the 24th over, just when Bravo and Smith were threatening to put up a huge partnership.
50 overs West Indies 222 (Bravo 73, Tahir 4-41, Botha 2-48) v South Africa.