A brilliant rearguard from Alick Athanaze spearheaded a dogged effort from the West Indies in Port-of-Spain. The flamboyant young left-hander made a personal best of 92, as the West Indies would successfully keep the South African bowlers at bay.

Inclement weather also had the last word for much of the game, but credit must go to the Windies batters, who weathered the storm and handled pressure with immense composure.

The Proteas managed to secure a first-innings lead of 124, but there was a race against time to get a result.

Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38) set the tone early on, but it was Tristan Stubbs’ first Test half-century that kept the visitors motoring along in today’s opening session. When he was bowled by Kemar Roach for 68, captain Temba Bavuma opted to declare, setting WI a target of 298.

The chase was off to a disastrous start, when Kraigg Brathwaite went for an ill-advised big shot in the first over. And right after lunch, Mikyle Louis would spoon a catch to Stubbs at short midwicket. Those two early wickets meant that SA were strongly believing. However, Keacy Carty and Alick Athanaze started to rebuild, and the resulting 46-run stand would ease some of the nerves. But Keshav Maharaj would return and remove the well-set Carty.

It was, yet again, back to the drawing board, but the resilient Kavem Hodge occupied the crease. He was content to play second fiddle to the more adventurous Athanaze, who impressed with his range of sweeps in either direction.

SA were unable to get another wicket before the tea break, but that would soon change within the next 2 overs. Maharaj got Hodge to feather one through to the keeper, and the Proteas were back in business. But the excitement was short-lived, as Jason Holder stonewalled the bowlers to good effect.

Athanaze was nearing a well-deserved maiden Test ton, but picked out deep backward square with a lofted sweep shot. The fifth wicket had finally fallen, but there were only 10 overs remaining. Following another three wicketless overs, Bavuma chose to call it a game.

Bad weather is part and parcel of the game, but this Test had plenty of entertaining moments. There still is a lot to play for, and the second Test starts this Thursday in Providence, Guyana.

SA 357 + 173/3 dec (Stubbs 68)

WI 233 + 201/5 (Athanaze 92 – Maharaj 26.2-2-88-4)