CAPE TOWN // A century by AB de Villiers and two early strikes by the bowlers gave South Africa the edge on the third day of the third and final Test against the West Indies at Newlands on Sunday.
De Villiers was last man out for 148 as South Africa were bowled out for 421.
South Africa then dismissed both West Indian openers before Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels took the tourists to 88 for two at stumps, four runs behind.
Although the match is fairly evenly poised, De Villiers said he felt South Africa were in a strong position.
“You are never 100 per cent in,” he said. “There are some cracks in the wicket, a couple keep low and the spinners are always in the game. If we can start really well they will be under big pressure.”
In a match in which eight other batsmen reached 40 but did not go on beyond 68, De Villiers was the only player to make a substantial score.
“My hundred was definitely hard work,” he said. “Maybe from 120 to 148 I felt really comfortable.”
De Villiers said that although he was confident South Africa could chase down any target with their long batting line-up, he said: “Anything over 200 could be tough.”
Richie Richardson, the West Indies manager and former captain, said it was important for at least two West Indian batsmen to “dig in” on Monday.
“South Africa have to bat last. If we have two batsmen who can get centuries we could have a very interesting match,” he said.
“The two guys batting at the moment are looking pretty solid. We’re hoping they can put on a massive partnership tomorrow and then we’ll take it from there.”
De Villiers started the day with an array of attacking strokes, but he was forced to change gears when captain Hashim Amla was caught behind and Temba Bavuma followed soon after the second new ball was taken.
He accelerated again either side of lunch as South Africa passed the West Indian total and reached his hundred with his third audacious reverse sweep in an over from off-spinner Samuels that yielded 14 runs.
“He is a part-time spinner, you’ve got to take your chances,” De Villiers said.
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