The Proteas had set a formidable target of 298 after declaring their second innings at 173 for three just before lunch. Athanaze’s resilient 92, along with a crucial fifth-wicket stand of 65 with Jason Holder, propelled the hosts from a shaky 127 for four to 201 for five by the end of the match.
Keshav Maharaj proved to be the most significant threat to the West Indies, taking four for 88 to finish with match figures of eight for 164.
Athanaze walked in at a precarious 18 for two just after lunch, demonstrating commendable patience during an innings that lasted over three hours. He faced 116 balls and hit nine boundaries.
However, as the close of play neared, Athanaze’s concentration lapsed. The 25-year-old left-hander from Dominica, who was eager to reach his century, top-edged a sweep off Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at backward square-leg.
“It was just about dragging the length back and trying to exploit the rough outside his off-stump,” AFP quoted Maharaj. “Full credit must go to him though for the way he played. I just tried to stick to my plans and utilize different angles from the crease.”
During the morning session, Tristan Stubbs led South Africa’s charge for quick runs with an aggressive 68 off 50 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. Stubbs’ maiden Test half-century was bolstered by openers Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram, who scored 45 and 38 respectively before South African captain Temba Bavuma declared the innings when Stubbs was bowled by Kemar Roach.
“We expected the wicket to break up a little more than it did,” Bavuma said. “In the end we just didn’t have enough time, plus the elements got in the way of what could have been a really good competitive game of cricket.”
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who fell in the first over of the innings to an ambitious shot off Maharaj, expressed his belief that his team could have chased down the target. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but my message to the boys was to back themselves and fully commit to their plans at the crease.”
The game saw significant interruption due to rain, with more than two days of playing time lost, raising concerns for the second and final Test. The next match is scheduled to take place at the Guyana National Stadium from Thursday, but there are worries it might also be affected by the weather.