De Villiers gives SA healthy lead

Associated Press

Bridgetown, April 24:

Opener AB de Villiers made a determined 178 and South Africa extended its first-innings lead to 225 and a position of supremacy against West Indies on the third day of the third Test. De Villiers’ second Test century was the backbone of the visitors’ 521/8 at Kensington Oval. West Indies were all out for 296. Jacques Kallis (78) and Boeta Dippenaar (71) provided solid middle-order support despite a vigorous effort by the West Indies attack. Chris Gayle took 3-85 with his offspin while pacer Daren Powell claimed two late wickets and finished with 2-89.

South Africa resumed from 253-1 overnight and quickly maintained its authority. De Villiers and Dippenaar stretched their second-wicket stand to 143 and displayed straight-batted certainty against the second new ball. Dippenaar perished to a fine piece for fielding from substitute Dwayne Smith. The breakthrough before the interval did not faze the South Africans, and de Villiers and Kallis forged another solid stand for the third wicket, worth 58.