Ottniel Baartman (L) of South Africa congratulates Matthew Forde (R) of West Indies for winning the 2nd T20i match between West Indies and South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
The West Indies cricket team continued their dominance in T20 internationals against South Africa by completing a clean sweep in the three-match series. With a convincing 8-wicket victory in the final match, West Indies not only sealed their third consecutive T20 series win against South Africa but also displayed their growth and consistency in the shortest format of the game. This latest win also marks the seventh win for the West Indies in their last eight T20I encounters with the Proteas, while their only defeat came in this period during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Under Daren Sammy, the team has shown great potential and is already giving us glimpses of what this unit can achieve with the right guidance. While Sammy’s impact has been significant, it’s important not to overlook the role of Rovman Powell. Powell has taken on the captaincy exceptionally well, and even in the recent T20 World Cup, despite the team’s shortcomings, his leadership skills were evident. In this short time, he has proven that he is the right choice to lead the team. With both Powell and Sammy at the helm, this team is well-positioned to go a long way.
The series finale, held in Trinidad, saw the West Indies winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision that would prove pivotal given the weather conditions and the effectiveness of their bowling attack.
The match, originally set to start at 3 pm, was delayed by an hour due to rain. Although no overs were lost initially, another weather interruption during South Africa’s innings reduced the match to 13 overs per side. This disruption unsettled the visitors, who struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings.
South Africa’s innings never really took off, with only Tristan Stubbs making a notable contribution. Stubbs, who has been one of South Africa’s few bright spots in the series, played a crucial knock of 40 runs off 15 balls. His aggressive approach, particularly against Obed McCoy, helped push South Africa to a modest total. Stubbs smashed two sixes and two fours off McCoy in the 11th over, taking 16 runs off the last three balls. Despite his efforts, South Africa could only muster 108 for 4 in their allotted 13 overs.
Romario Shepherd was the standout bowler for the West Indies. He delivered a match-defining over in the 10th, dismissing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in quick succession. Shepherd’s figures of 2 for 14 in two overs played a crucial role in restricting South Africa to a below-par total. The West Indies spinners, Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase, also contributed significantly, conceding just 22 runs in their combined five overs, further stifling the South African batting lineup.
Chasing a revised target of 116 due to the DLS method, the West Indies faced an early hiccup when Bjorn Fortuin dismissed Alick Athanaze in the first over. However, the rest of the West Indies batting lineup made light work of the chase.
Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran, who has been in sublime form, stitched together a quick-fire partnership of 58 runs off just 20 balls for the second wicket. Hope, who scored 42 runs, took charge by dismantling Kwena Maphaka in the third over. Maphaka’s over, which cost 22 runs, was crucial in shifting the momentum totally in the West Indies’ favor. Hope smashed three sixes in that over, exploiting Maphaka’s inexperience.
Shimron Hetmyer, playing his first T20I of the year, joined Hope after Pooran’s departure and ensured there were no further stumbles. Hetmyer looked in great touch, scoring an unbeaten 31 off 17 balls. His innings included a series of powerful shots that put the outcome beyond doubt. Hope, who remained not out on 42, anchored the innings perfectly, ensuring the West Indies reached the target with 22 balls to spare.
Romario Shepherd was deservedly named the Man of the Match for his all-round performance. His two crucial wickets in the middle overs significantly dented South Africa’s hopes of posting a competitive total. Shepherd’s ability to strike at crucial moments throughout the series made him an invaluable asset for the West Indies, and his performance in the final match was no exception.
The West Indies’ eight-wicket victory in the final match not only secured a 3-0 series win but also highlighted their dominance over South Africa in T20 cricket. Since March 2023, the West Indies have won eight out of ten T20Is against South Africa, a remarkable feat that underscores their strength in this format.
This series victory is particularly significant as it comes on the back of another 3-0 whitewash over South Africa earlier this year, as well as a strong showing in the T20 World Cup. The West Indies, known for their explosive style of play, have consistently outplayed South Africa, both in terms of individual brilliance and team performance.
The West Indies’ success has been built on the foundation of a balanced team where everyone contributes, whether it’s with the bat, ball, or in the field. Their bowlers, led by Romario Shepherd and supported by the spinners, have been clinical in restricting South Africa, while their batsmen have shown the ability to chase down targets with ease.
For South Africa, this series loss will raise several concerns, particularly around their batting depth and the ability to handle pressure in key moments. The absence of significant contributions from their top order, apart from Tristan Stubbs, will be an area of focus as they look to rebuild and address these issues in future series.
As the West Indies celebrate another T20 series victory, they will look to carry this form forward, while South Africa will need to regroup and find ways to become a better and more consistent side.
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