Bravo strikes, but SA climb to 218/5

Ashwell Prince scored an undefeated 55 today to lead South Africa...

Ashwell Prince scored an undefeated 55 today to lead South Africa to 218-5 at stumps in the second Test, only 25 runs behind West Indies’ first innings total.

South Africa needed just 15 minutes after play resumed on the second day to dismiss the visitors for 243 at the Newlands Stadium.

In reply, South Africa struggled at 131-5 before Prince shared an unbroken 87-run partnership with Mark Boucher, who was on 35 at the close.

West Indies medium-pace bowler Dwayne Bravo wrecked South Africa’s middle-order slump, bowling unchanged for 24 overs to take 3-46.

His stint included 15 overs between lunch and tea, during which he took the prize wicket of Jacques Kallis, caught behind by Denesh Ramdin for 36.

In his next over Bravo trapped Hashim Amla leg before wicket for 32.

Immediately after tea, Bravo added the wicket of A.B. de Villiers, also caught by Ramdin, for two runs.

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Prince and Boucher steadied the innings and put South Africa in a position to take a first-innings lead when play resumes Friday. Prince faced 139 balls, and Boucher had 96 deliveries.

West Indies lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 128 runs. The third and final Test starts January 10 in Durban.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies first innings: 243

South Africa first innings: G. Smith 28, N. McKenzie 23, H. Amla 32, J. Kallis 36, A. Prince 55 not out, AB. de Villiers 2, M. Boucher 35 not out.

Extras (b-4, lb-3): 7.

Total (five wickets, 85 overs): 218

Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-61, 3-120, 4-123, 5-131

Bowling: Powell 19-3-69-0, Edwards 4.5-1-12-0, Samuels 7.1-3-13-0, Taylor 18-6-45-2, Bravo 24-8-46-3, Lewis 12-3-26-0.