West Indies Triumph over Strong South Africa in T20 Series

West Indies secured the 3-match T20 series against the Proteas with ease, thanks to their back-to-back wins. After winning the first game by chasing, the West Indies proved their mettle while defending the total, winning the game by 30 runs.

West Indies batted First as South Africa Won the Toss

At the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, skipper Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first. West Indies got off to a steady start, with Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze looking strong. However, Lizard Williams got the better of Alick, taking the first wicket of the innings in the 6th over. Shai Hope continued with Pooran, and both were hitting some huge sixes before Hope was dismissed in the 9th over by Patrick Kruger.

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West Indies’ innings stumbled

Hope scored a quick 41, including 4 maximums. The West Indian innings stumbled a bit in between as they lost wickets at regular intervals and were 111/4 after 14 overs. Skipper Powell and Rutherford took charge from there, taking the score to 147 in the next 3 overs. West Indies reached a total of 179, which was a competitive score under the conditions. Powell’s 35 and 29 from Rutherford proved to be game-changing.

Solid Start for the Proteas:

Chasing 180, both Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton were rock solid at the top. They got off to a flyer and even scored 23 runs off the 4th over of the innings, which was bowled by Roston Chase. The partnership was finally broken in the 5th over by Shamar Joseph at 63. Hendricks was also dismissed in the very next over by Shepherd, and West Indies were right back in the game. The match was evenly poised after 12 overs, with the Proteas needing 68 runs off 48 balls with 7 wickets in hand.

The Proteas choked

The game was set for an exciting finish, but the Proteas choked again. They kept losing wickets, and the chase, which looked easy at one stage, suddenly became impossible. They were all out for 149 in the final over, falling short by 30 runs. Hendricks and Stubbs were the top scorers with 44 and 27, respectively. Shamar Joseph and Shepherd were the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets each. Shepherd was also named Player of the Match for his spell.

West Indies won the series 2-0. Both teams will play again tomorrow at the same venue for the final T20I game.