Hope and Pooran Powers West Indies to Seven-Wicket Victory Over South Africa in T20 Series Opener

Pooran's Fiery 65 not out Leads West Indies to Dominant Victory Over South Africa / Getty Images

Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 65* off 26 balls powered West Indies to a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the first T20 International at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, on Friday. Chasing 175, West Indies comfortably reached 176/3 in just 17.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

West Indies openers Alick Athanaze (40) and Shai Hope (51) set the tone with an 84-run partnership in eight overs. Pooran then took charge, smashing two fours and seven sixes in a blistering display of T20 hitting. South Africa’s bowlers struggled, with Nandre Burger (0/47) and Aiden Markram (0/21) bearing the brunt of the assault.

Earlier, South Africa posted 174/7, thanks to a 71-run sixth-wicket stand between Tristan Stubbs (76 off 42) and Patrick Kruger (44 off 32). The Proteas had been in trouble at 42/5 before Stubbs and Kruger’s recovery act. However, their efforts proved insufficient as Pooran’s onslaught sealed a comfortable win for the hosts.

The series continues with the second T20I on Sunday at the same venue.

Match summary !!

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