Markram and Verreynne lead Proteas to strong position against West Indies in second Test

De Zorzi made 39 and Markram 51 as they helped South Africa reach 223-5 in their second innings, giving them a 239-run lead after day two in Georgetown, Guyana.

The South African would lose several quick wickets as they slumped to 139-5, but an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 84 between Kyle Verreynne (50*) and Wiaan Mulder (34*) put the visitors in control.

South Africa had earlier secured a narrow first-innings lead of 16 runs, dismissing the West Indies for 144 after resuming at 97-7, in response to the 160 the visitors made in their first innings on day one.

The Windies lost both Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales at the start of play without adding to their overnight total, before a 10th wicket stand of 40 between Jason Holder (54*) and fast bowler Shamar Joseph saw them reach 144.

Wiaan Mulder finished with the best figures of 4-32 having started the morning with 4-18, but it was Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger and Kagiso Rabada who claimed the last three wickets in the morning session.

Markram and de Zorzi batted positively, despite several close calls, before de Zorzi edged an away-swinger from Jayden Seales to the keeper. Markram's solid 51 included five boundaries, while Tristan Stubbs contributed 24 before edging Seales to the keeper. Seales finished with 3-52, also removing David Bedingham for a duck and Temba Bavuma for four.

Verreynne and Mulder then ensured the Proteas would finish day two well on top with their unbeaten 84-run partnership.

The first Test ended in a draw after being hampered by rain, so victory for the Proteas in Guyana would see them clinch the two-match Test series.

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