South Africa hold nerve to deny WI win

South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to prevail by 17 runs in the second One-day International on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.

South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to prevail by 17 runs in the second One-day International on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.

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The South Africans appeared to be coasting to victory, when West Indies, chasing 301 for victory from their 50 overs, slumped to 236 for eight in the 45th over.

But the Proteas came under attack from Sammy, whose unbeaten 58 from 24 balls contained two fours and six sixes, as he dominated a ninth-wicket stand of 47 with Ravi Rampaul.

South Africa were fortunate however, when fast-medium bowler Ryan McLaren skillfully fielded a drive from Sammy on his follow-through, and Rampaul was run out off the last ball of the 48th over backing up too far.

Graeme Smith, the South African captain, had the privilege of finishing the match, when Kieron Pollard, running for Nikita Miller, was run out off the first ball of the next over, with a direct hit by Smith at the bowler’s end from short cover.

“We weren’t at our best, and we let a few key chances go earlier, which probably could have gone on to cost us the game,” said a relieved Smith after the match.