South Africa defy late Windies fight-back to win second ODI

North Sound (West Indies), May 25(ANI): South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to beat the home team by 17 runs in the second ODI in North Sound, and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.

Chasing 301 for victory, West Indies were reeling at 236 for eight in the 45th over, when Sammy hit a 20-ball half century, the fastest ever by a West Indian, for a fight-back.

Sammy's unbeaten 58 from 24 balls contained two fours and six sixes, and he was also involved in a 47 run ninth-wicket stand with Ravi Rampaul, but failed to guide his team home, as he ran out of partners at the other end.

The West Indies' innings also had a significant contribution from Dwayne Bravo, who scored 74 with the help of three fours and two sixes, and opener Dale Richards, who scored 51.

South African fast bowler Morne Morkel finished with three for 58.

Earlier in the day, Hashim Amla laid the platform for South Africa after skipper Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat first.

Amla continued his rich form with 92 from 95 balls, and was involved in crucial partnerships with Smith (37 from 52 balls) and Jacques Kallis (85 from 89 balls) to lead South Africa to 300 for five.

Amla struck seven boundaries, while Kallis -playing his 300th ODI- hit four fours in a stand of 79 for the second wicket, The News reports.

West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard (two for 39) and fast bowler Jerome Taylor (two for 50) were the standout bowlers for home team.

Breif Scorecard: South Africa 300 for 5 (Amla 92, Kallis 85, Pollard 2-39) West Indies 283 (Bravo 74, Sammy 58 not out, Morkel 3-58) (ANI)