Joseph stars with fifer but South Africa hits back as 17 wickets fall on opening day

Shamar Joseph marked his home Test debut with an impressive five-wicket haul, but South Africa responded strongly as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day of the second and final Test on Thursday. Joseph's fast bowling dismantled the Proteas for 160, taking 5 for 33 after they opted to bat first.

However, South African seamer Wiaan Mulder struck back, taking 4 for 18, leaving the West Indies struggling at 97 for seven by the close of play. Joseph, who had been left out of the rain-affected first Test in Trinidad, recaptured his form from his debut series in Australia, where he famously led the West Indies to their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with a stunning seven-wicket haul in Brisbane.

After a disappointing performance in England, Joseph found his rhythm as soon as he was brought on as the first-change bowler. He immediately removed opener Adrian Markram and, with support from fellow pacer Jayden Seales (3 for 45), consistently troubled the South African batsmen with his pace and full-length deliveries.

"It's a great feeling to have done this at home," said the 24-year-old Joseph, reflecting on his third five-wicket Test haul. "I haven't played much here at Providence, but I always come in with a clear plan to do what the team needs, and I'm glad I was able to deliver today."

A last-wicket partnership of 63 between Dane Piedt (38 not out) and Nandre Burger (23) helped South Africa reach 160, after both players, primarily selected for their bowling, provided some late resistance. Fueled by this momentum, the South African bowlers quickly tore through the West Indies' top order.

Burger was the first to strike, dismissing Mikyle Louis, but it was Mulder's introduction in place of Kagiso Rabada that shifted the momentum. Mulder's accurate medium pace, combining movement through the air and off the seam, left the West Indies reeling at 56 for six.

"I didn't bowl at my best, but things went my way today," Mulder reflected on his career-best Test figures. "I just tried to follow Shamar's lead by bowling a challenging length. He's quicker than me, but the pitch suited my style, so I was able to capitalize."

Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie helped the West Indies avoid a complete collapse, though Motie's dismissal in the last over of the day by Keshav Maharaj leaves Holder with the task of eking out whatever runs he can with the tail on the second morning to minimize the first innings deficit.