South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat West Indies by nine wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup on Thursday.
Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara calls for urgent reforms after Sri Lanka’s T20 exit
After opting to bowl, the Proteas pace attack set the tone early. Kagiso Rabada (2/22), Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Corbin Bosch (2/31) combined effectively to dismantle the West Indies top order, leaving them reeling at 83 for 7 in the 11th over.
Just when a modest total seemed inevitable, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd staged a remarkable counterattack. The duo stitched together a record 89-run stand for the eighth wicket off just 57 balls, propelling West Indies to a competitive 176 for 8 in their 20 overs. Holder struck 49, while Shepherd powered his way to 52.
In response, South Africa made light work of the chase. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 82, while Quinton de Kock contributed 47 in a fluent 95-run opening partnership. Ryan Rickelton then added a brisk 45 as the Proteas cruised to 177 for 1 in just 16.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. Roston Chase claimed the lone wicket for West Indies.
Brief Scores
West Indies: 176/8 in 20 overs
(Jason Holder 49, Romario Shepherd 52; Kagiso Rabada 2/22, Lungi Ngidi 3/30, Corbin Bosch 2/31)
South Africa: 177/1 in 16.1 overs
(Aiden Markram 82*; Quinton de Kock 47; Roston Chase 1/46)
