West Indies Clinch Series with Dominant 30-Run Win Over South Africa in Second T20I

In a standout performance, the West Indies secured a comprehensive 30-run victory over South Africa in the second T20I at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, clinching the series with one game to spare. A collective effort with both bat and ball saw the West Indies outclass their opponents, setting a challenging total of 179/6 before bowling South Africa out for 149.

Shai Hope was instrumental in the West Indies’ innings, smashing a quickfire 41 off 22 balls. His innings was bolstered by solid contributions from Alick Athanaze, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford. Athanaze provided a brisk start, hitting two fours and two sixes before his dismissal in the sixth over. Hope then took charge, launching two sixes off Aiden Markram and adding two more off Kwena Maphaka. Despite falling short of a half-century, Hope’s efforts laid a strong foundation for the hosts.

The middle overs saw a slight wobble for the West Indies as South Africa struck back with quick wickets. However, Rutherford’s explosive hitting in the 15th over, where he took 18 runs off Bjorn Fortuin, ensured the momentum stayed with the home side. Although South Africa managed to contain the West Indies in the final few overs, the hosts still finished just shy of 180, setting a formidable target.

In response, South Africa started strongly, with Reeza Hendricks leading the charge. Hendricks blazed his way to 44 off just 18 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes off Roston Chase in a single over. South Africa raced to 71 in the powerplay, and with Aiden Markram contributing 22, the chase appeared to be on track.

However, the West Indies’ bowlers staged a remarkable comeback in the latter half of the innings. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph were the standouts, with Shepherd claiming 3 for 15 and Joseph 3 for 31. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie also played crucial roles, tightening the screws on South Africa’s middle order. The pressure told as South Africa lost seven wickets for just 20 runs, collapsing from a position of strength to be bowled out for 149.

Hendricks’ early onslaught and Tristan Stubbs’ 28 off 23 balls were the only highlights for South Africa in a chase that ultimately fell well short. The loss means South Africa have now surrendered the series, with the final match remaining a dead rubber.

Brief Scores:

West Indies: 179/6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 41, Rovman Powell 35; Lizaad Williams 3-36, Patrick Kruger 2-29)

South Africa: 149 in 19.4 overs (Reeza Hendricks 44, Tristan Stubbs 28; Romario Shepherd 3-15, Shamar Joseph 3-31)

With this victory, the West Indies have not only secured the series but also demonstrated their growing prowess in the T20 format, leaving South Africa with much to ponder ahead of the final match.