South Africa Clinches Series with Thrilling Win Over West Indies in Guyana

South Africa secured a 1-0 series victory with a 40-run win over West Indies in Guyana. Key performances by Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada overshadowed Jayden Seales' career-best 6/41. The win elevates South Africa to fifth in the World Test Championship standings.

South Africa sealed a 1-0 series victory after a closely fought contest in Guyana, securing a 40-run win over West Indies on the third day. The crucial wickets taken by Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada played a pivotal role, overshadowing Jayden Seales' career-best figures of 6/41 from earlier in the day, according to the ICC.

The morning session saw South Africa resuming play at 223/5, with Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder at the crease. West Indies mounted a strong comeback as Jomel Warrican triggered a collapse in the South African batting lineup, getting Mulder leg-before wicket for 34 in the first over of the day.

Soon after, Seales completed his six-wicket haul by dismissing Maharaj, Verreynne, and Burger, reducing South Africa from 223/5 to 246 all out and setting a target of 263 runs for West Indies. A confident start by the hosts saw them at 54/1, but Mulder's twin strikes, including dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite for 25, changed the momentum. Rabada and off-spinner Dane Piedt then dismantled the middle order, leaving West Indies at 104/6.

A spirited 77-run partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Warrican briefly revived West Indies' hopes. However, Maharaj, who had been wicketless in the second innings, trapped the duo leg-before wicket. With 81 runs needed and just two wickets remaining, Rabada and Maharaj cleaned up the tail, securing South Africa's 10th consecutive Test series win against West Indies.

Keshav Maharaj became South Africa's most prolific Test spinner with 171 wickets, earning him the Player of the Series award. The victory lifted South Africa to fifth in the World Test Championship standings, while West Indies continue to languish at the bottom with just one win in nine matches.

(With inputs from agencies.)