South Africa tour of West Indies (2024)

West Indies secured their third consecutive series win against South Africa by defending a target of 179 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, where they dismantled a chase that seemed well on track. South Africa, who were comfortably positioned at 129 for 3 in the 14th over, collapsed, losing 7 wickets for just 20 runs in 35 balls, eventually being bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs, falling short by 30 runs.

Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie made key breakthroughs by dismissing Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira, respectively, but it was Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph who finished the job. Shepherd took 3 for 15 from his four overs, and Joseph claimed a career-best 3 for 31. Together, they derailed South Africa’s chances of leveling the series.

West Indies would have known that the total they posted was attainable, especially after they successfully chased down 175 at the same venue just two days prior. South Africa started strong, racing to 100 inside 10 overs, but West Indies allowed only one boundary between the 10th and 14th overs, forcing South Africa into mistakes that ultimately cost them the match.

South Africa’s middle order will be a cause for concern, as only one batter beyond No.3 managed to score over 20 in a game where individual run-scoring milestones were rare. Neither team saw a half-century, but West Indies clearly outperformed in the power-hitting department, smashing 13 sixes compared to South Africa’s six, a key factor in their victory. Another crucial aspect was West Indies’ 50 runs in the last five overs, with a 47-run partnership between Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford giving them the upper hand.
 
West Indies vs South Africa, 3rd T20I

Toss delayed due to rain - The latest update is that the match will start at 4pm local.
 
West Indies have won the toss and have opted to field


West Indies
(Playing XI): Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran(w), Roston Chase(c), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Fabian Allen, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy

South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka
 
South Africa (13/13 ov) 108/4

West Indies (9.2/13 ov, T:116) 116/2

West Indies won by 8 wickets (with 22 balls remaining) (DLS method)
 
The West Indies secured a clean sweep of the T20I series, highlighting their dominance over South Africa in this format. Since March 2023, they have faced South Africa ten times in T20Is, winning eight of those encounters, including consecutive 3-0 series victories on either side of the T20 World Cup. The latest of these wins occurred in a rain-affected match in Trinidad.

The series finale was delayed by an hour due to rain, but no overs were lost when play finally began. However, another weather interruption during South Africa's innings, midway through the fifth over, resulted in a further 70-minute delay, reducing the match to 13 overs per side.

South Africa managed a total of 108 for 4, lacking substantial individual contributions—an issue that plagued them throughout the series. They struggled against West Indies' spinners, Akeal Hosein and stand-in captain Roston Chase, who together gave away just 22 runs in five overs. Tristan Stubbs was the only South African batsman to score over 30, leading to a revised target of 116 for the West Indies.

Despite an early setback when Bjorn Fortuin dismissed Alick Athanaze in the first over, the West Indies' batters quickly took control. Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran put on a 58-run partnership for the second wicket off just 20 balls, setting the stage for victory. An unbeaten 56-run stand between Hope and Shimron Hetmyer then sealed the match with 22 balls to spare.
 
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