West Indies secured a clinical victory in the second T20I against South Africa, winning by 30 runs at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. A well-rounded performance with both bat and ball helped West Indies take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, ensuring a series win with one game to spare.
West Indies Build a Strong Total
After being asked to bat first by South Africa, West Indies posted a competitive total of 179/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was built on crucial contributions from multiple batsmen, with Shai Hope playing a key role.
Athanaze Provides Early Momentum
Alick Athanaze gave West Indies a brisk start, scoring 23 runs off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes. He was well-supported by Hope, who played a steady hand during the powerplay. However, Athanaze’s promising innings ended in the sixth over when he mistimed a pull shot off Lizaad Williams.
Shai Hope Anchors the Innings
Shai Hope, who initially played cautiously, took charge after Athanaze’s dismissal. He smashed two sixes off Aiden Markram in the seventh over and followed it up with more aggressive shots, including two sixes off Kwena Maphaka. Hope’s innings came to an end when he was caught after scoring 41 off 22 balls, leaving West Indies well-positioned at 90/2 at the halfway mark.
Middle-Order Contributions Boost Total
West Indies lost quick wickets in the middle overs, with Roston Chase and Nicholas Pooran falling in consecutive overs. However, a costly 15th over from Bjorn Fortuin, where Sherfane Rutherford hit two sixes and a four, brought the momentum back in favor of West Indies. Although South Africa managed to bowl a couple of tight overs towards the end, Rovman Powell and Rutherford’s quick runs ensured West Indies finished just below the 180-run mark.
South Africa’s Bright Start in the Chase
Chasing 180, South Africa began aggressively, with Reeza Hendricks leading the way. Hendricks struck four boundaries in the first two overs, and along with Ryan Rickelton, they gave South Africa a flying start. Hendricks continued his onslaught, smashing two sixes and two fours in a single over off Roston Chase, helping South Africa reach 71/2 at the end of the powerplay.
West Indies Fight Back with the Ball
Despite South Africa’s strong start, West Indies made a remarkable comeback in the second half of the innings. After Hendricks was bowled by Romario Shepherd for 44, South Africa started to lose wickets at regular intervals. Gudakesh Motie and Shepherd applied pressure with tight overs, and the South African middle order struggled to build partnerships.
South Africa’s Collapse in the Final Overs
Tristan Stubbs tried to keep South Africa in the game with a six off Motie, but he soon fell, slicing a catch to long-off. Donovan Ferreira was stumped, and Rassie van der Dussen’s labored 17 off 24 balls ended with his dismissal. With the lower order collapsing, South Africa lost seven wickets for just 20 runs in the last few overs, falling short of the target by 30 runs.
West Indies’ Bowling Stars
Romario Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, finishing with figures of 3/15. Shamar Joseph also played a crucial role, taking 3/31, while Akeal Hosein chipped in with 2/25. Their collective effort ensured that South Africa was bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs.
West Indies’ all-round performance with both bat and ball secured them a series win with one match remaining. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, especially with their bowlers stepping up in crucial moments, highlighted their dominance in this match. South Africa will look to salvage some pride in the final game, while West Indies will aim for a series sweep.
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