Maharaj's Triple Threat: Rain Halts West Indies' Comeback

Keshav Maharaj's three wickets helped South Africa restrict West Indies to 145-4 on a rain-affected third day of the first test in Port of Spain. West Indies trail by 212 runs, with Maharaj delivering an impressive 28-over spell. Jason Holder and Kavem Hodge will resume batting on the fourth day.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took three important wickets as South Africa restricted the West Indies to 145-4 at the end of a rain-hit third day during the first test in Port of Spain on Friday. The West Indies are now trailing the visitors by 212 runs after dismissing South Africa for 357 earlier in a disrupted day that saw several rain interruptions, losing almost the entire first day to bad weather.

Kavem Hodge, unbeaten on 11, will continue batting on the fourth morning alongside Jason Holder, who stands at 13 not out, as the hosts aim to bridge the gap and prevent South Africa from achieving a significant lead. Maharaj delivered a marathon 28-over spell, yielding 3-45, and had a couple of catches dropped in the field.

'The ball got a bit wet and doesn't react as much off the surface,' Maharaj explained in a press conference. 'There isn't much from the wicket, so I tried varying the pace and using different trajectories to challenge them.' Maharaj dismissed opener Mikyle Louis for 35 just before lunch after an opening partnership of 53 runs.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite (35) and debutant Keacy Carty (42) added 61 for the second wicket before Brathwaite was run out by Wiaan Mulder just before tea after failing to get his bat back into the crease. Following a rain delay, South Africa tightened their grip with Maharaj trapping Carty lbw and Alick Athanaze being caught at slip by Aiden Markram for three.

Earlier, the West Indies quickly wrapped up the remainder of South Africa's innings for 357, adding only 13 runs to their overnight score of 344-8. Wiaan Mulder was left unbeaten on 41, while Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales performed well with the ball, taking 4-69 and 3-67, respectively. Notably, the West Indies have a poor track record against South Africa, with just three wins out of 33 tests, their last victory coming in 2007, and their last home win 23 years ago.

(With inputs from agencies.)