South Africa beat West Indies by 17 runs

South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to prevail by 17 runs in the second ODI yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series

South Africa withstood a late West Indies fight-back led by Darren Sammy to prevail by 17 runs in the second ODI yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Darren Sammy smashes one through the on-side during his 24-ball unbeaten knock of 58 during the second ODI against South Africa at the at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua yesterday. Pic/AFP

The South Africans appeared to be coasting to victory, when West Indies, chasing 301 for victory from their 50 overs, slumped to 236 for eight in the 45th over.

But the Proteas came under attack from Sammy, whose unbeaten 58 from 24 balls contained two fours and six sixes, as he dominated a ninth-wicket stand of 47 with Ravi Rampaul.

South Africa were fortunate however, when fast-medium bowler Ryan McLaren skillfully fielded a drive from Sammy on his follow-through, and Rampaul was run out off the last ball of the 48th over backing up too far.

"We weren't at our best, and we let a few key chances go earlier, which probably could have gone on to cost us the game," said a relieved Smith. Outside of our fielding, I think we controlled the game well, and up to Sammy's 58, we were in control," SA skipper Graeme Smith said.

Brief scores: South Africa 300 for 5 (Hashim Amla 92, Jacques Kallis 85, Kieron Pollard 2-39) beat West Indies 283 (Dwayne Bravo 74, Darren Sammy 58 no, Morne Morkel 3-58); Result: SA won by 17 runs.