West Indies Seal Series Victory Against South Africa with Commanding Performance
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| West Indies win by 30 runs and win the third straight T20I series versus South Africa! / GettyImages |
In a thrilling encounter, West Indies clinched the T20I series against South Africa with a game to spare, securing a 2-0 lead after a comprehensive 30-run victory in the second match at Centurion.
West Indies Post Competitive Total Despite Early Wickets
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, West Indies got off to a steady start, with openers Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope adding 41 runs in just 34 balls. Athanaze looked in good touch, scoring 28 off 21 balls before being dismissed. Hope continued to anchor the innings, contributing a quickfire 41 off 22 balls. Nicholas Pooran, however, struggled to accelerate, managing only 19 off 19 balls before falling to the South African bowlers.
Captain Rovman Powell injected momentum into the innings with a brisk 35 off 22 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford's late cameo of 29 off 18 balls helped West Indies post a challenging total of 179/7. Lizaad Williams was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3/36, with Patrick Kruger and Ottneil Baartman providing support by claiming two and one wicket, respectively.
South Africa’s Strong Start Fizzles Out
South Africa's chase began on a high note, with Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks blazing their way to 63 runs in just 4.3 overs. Rickelton departed after a quickfire 20 off 13 balls, and Hendricks followed soon after, having smashed 44 off 18 balls. Despite the early onslaught, the Proteas faltered as Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd struck in quick succession.
Skipper Aiden Markram tried to keep the chase alive with a 9-ball 19, but his dismissal marked the beginning of South Africa's downfall. Tristan Stubbs, the hero of the first game, couldn't replicate his form and was dismissed for 28 off 24 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen struggled throughout his 24-ball stay, managing only 17 runs.
The West Indies pacers, led by Joseph (3/31) and Shepherd (3/15), dismantled South Africa's lower middle order, leaving them well short of the target. The spinners, Gudakesh Motie (1/24) and Akeal Hosein (2/25), further tightened the screws, ensuring a comfortable win for the visitors.
With this victory, West Indies have taken an unassailable lead in the three-match series, showcasing their depth and resilience in all departments. The final match now offers the Men in Maroon a chance to complete a clean sweep, while South Africa will look to salvage some pride in the dead rubber.
Match Summary !!
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Shamar strikes and the opening stand is broken! 🏏💪🏾#WIvSA #T20Fest pic.twitter.com/wP7lBGrxuP
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 25, 2024