News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/26th August 2024
The West Indies clinched the T20I series against South Africa with a commanding 30-run victory in the second match of the series held at Brian Lara Stadium. This win marks the Caribbean side’s third consecutive T20I series triumph over the Proteas, further solidifying their dominance in the format. Despite South Africa’s initial aggressive performance during the powerplay, the West Indies’ all-around performance proved too strong, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
South Africa’s chase of 180 got off to a blistering start thanks to Reeza Hendricks, who launched a flurry of boundaries during the powerplay. Hendricks, with his aggressive stroke play, propelled South Africa to a swift 67/1 in just five overs, despite the early loss of Ryan Rickelton. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when West Indies introduced right-arm pacer Romario Shepherd into the attack. Shepherd’s impact was immediate; he disrupted Hendricks’ rhythm with a short-length delivery outside off-stump, which Hendricks failed to handle and ultimately chopped onto his own stumps. Hendricks departed after a rapid 44 off 18 balls, a key blow that stymied South Africa’s chase.
Captain Aiden Markram, who had shown promise earlier, also fell to Shepherd, further derailing South Africa’s innings. Despite efforts from Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen, who managed to forge a 43-run partnership, the South African innings faltered under pressure. The introduction of spin duo Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie compounded the visitors’ woes, with the pair combining to take three crucial wickets. This spin assault led to a collapse, with South Africa losing their way from a solid 129/3 to being all out for 149.
Earlier in the match, the West Indies had set a competitive total after being put in to bat. The opening partnership between Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze provided a strong foundation, racing to 41 before Hope’s dismissal. Athanaze contributed a valuable 41 runs. As the innings progressed, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford unleashed a flurry of big hits in the final overs, pushing West Indies to a total of 179/6. Powell’s aggressive 35 and Rutherford’s explosive batting added the final flourish to the West Indies’ innings.
In the first T20I of the series, the West Indies had already demonstrated their strength by chasing down South Africa’s total of 174 with ease, securing a seven-wicket victory. With this second win, the West Indies have showcased their superiority in the series, leaving South Africa with little room for recovery.
The final T20I of the series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue, where South Africa will look to salvage some pride and avoid a series whitewash. The West Indies, on the other hand, will aim to continue their dominant form and complete a clean sweep. The performances of players like Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd have been pivotal, with Joseph taking 3-31 and Shepherd 3-15 in the second match, highlighting the depth and strength of the West Indies’ bowling attack.
