A contest between the only two unbeaten teams at the T20 World Cup promised intensity and fine margins. Instead, it unfolded as a dominant display from South Africa, who brushed aside West Indies with a commanding nine-wicket victory. Led by a composed and authoritative 82* from Aiden Markram, the Proteas made light work of a competitive 177-run target and moved a significant step closer to the semifinals.
Early Chaos Despite Missed Chances
After winning the toss, Markram opted to field on a red-soil surface that offered pronounced bounce for the seamers. Interestingly, he began with spin, handing the new ball to Keshav Maharaj. The move initially backfired as Shai Hope launched a four and two sixes in the opening over. One of those maximums came courtesy of Dewald Brevis, who held onto the ball but toppled over the boundary rope.
Despite three dropped catches in the Powerplay, South Africa still managed to remove four wickets. Kagiso Rabada, wicketless in his previous three matches, found extra bounce to dismiss Hope. Shimron Hetmyer, dropped off his first ball, fell soon after, while Lungi Ngidi exploited the lively pitch to remove Brandon King and Roston Chase in quick succession.
West Indies’ aggressive intent never wavered, but wickets continued to tumble. Sherfane Rutherford miscued a pull, Rovman Powell fell cheaply, and Matthew Forde failed to capitalise on his promotion up the order. At 83 for 7, the innings was on the brink of collapse.
Holder and Shepherd Lead the Recovery
Rescue came through experience and calculated aggression. Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd stitched together a rapid half-century stand, blending consolidation with opportunistic strokeplay. Holder received a lifeline late in the 14th over, and both all-rounders ensured South Africa paid for that lapse.
The 18th over proved pivotal as Marco Jansen conceded 23 runs, swinging momentum West Indies’ way. Though Ngidi responded well with clever slower balls and Corbin Bosch executed yorkers in the death overs, the late flourish carried West Indies to 176 for 8. Holder fell run out for 49, while Shepherd reached his maiden T20I fifty with a boundary off the final ball.
Given their position earlier, it was a commendable recovery.
Markram and de Kock Set the Tone
Any hope West Indies had of defending the total quickly dissipated. Markram began the chase with authority, striking crisp boundaries and lofted sixes with trademark elegance. Quinton de Kock matched him stroke for stroke, particularly targeting Shamar Joseph in the final Powerplay over.
South Africa surged to 69 in the Powerplay, establishing early dominance. Gudakesh Motie’s variations were dispatched with ease, and it was surprising that off-spin option Roston Chase was introduced only later. By the time de Kock launched consecutive blows over mid-wicket, the chase had firmly tilted South Africa’s way.
De Kock eventually holed out to Holder for 47, but by then the platform was set. Ryan Rickelton entered at No. 3 and maintained the tempo seamlessly.
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Clinical Finish
At 109 for 1 at the halfway stage, the equation was effectively a formality. West Indies created a couple of difficult half-chances, but their bowling lacked penetration and control. Even well-executed yorkers from Holder and Shepherd only delayed the inevitable.
Rickelton compiled an assured unbeaten 45, rotating strike smartly while punishing loose deliveries. Markram, meanwhile, anchored the chase with composure and fluency. His unbeaten 82 culminated in a bottom-handed loft over Holder’s head — a symbolic stroke that sealed the match and ended West Indies’ unbeaten run.
South Africa reached 177 for 1 in just 16.1 overs, underlining the gulf in execution between the two sides on the night.