In a thrilling Super Eight encounter of the T20 World Cup at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, South Africa triumphed over hosts West Indies by three wickets using the DLS method, securing their spot in the semifinals. Aiden Markram, leading the Proteas, won the toss and opted to field under overcast skies. His decision was vindicated by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted West Indies to 135/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
West Indies struggled early, losing Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran cheaply, but Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase revived their innings with an 81-run partnership for the third wicket. Tabraiz Shamsi's breakthrough by dismissing Mayers and subsequent strikes by Keshav Maharaj and himself halted West Indies' progress. Despite Chase's resilient 52 off 42 balls, supported briefly by Andre Russell's late flourish, West Indies could only manage 135/8, with Shamsi finishing with figures of 3-27.
Chasing a revised target of 123 in 17 overs due to rain interruptions, South Africa faced early setbacks, losing Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock cheaply to Andre Russell. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings briefly before Alzarri Joseph struck to remove Markram. Stubbs, alongside Heinrich Klaasen, rebuilt with a quick 35-run partnership, but West Indies' Roston Chase kept them in check with timely wickets. Despite Stubbs' departure in the 14th over, Marco Jansen's unbeaten 21 off 14 balls, including crucial boundaries, guided South Africa to victory with five balls to spare.
Roston Chase was the pick of the West Indian bowlers with figures of 3-12, supported by Russell and Joseph who both claimed two wickets each. South Africa's win ensured their unbeaten streak continued, joining England in the tournament's semifinals.
Brief scores: West Indies 135/8 in 20 overs (Roston Chase 52, Kyle Mayers 35; Tabraiz Shamsi 3-27) lost to South Africa 124/7 in 16.1 overs (Tristan Stubbs 29, Marco Jansen 21*; Roston Chase 3-12) by three wickets via DLS method.
Read also | Afghanistan's Historic T20 World Cup Victory: Naib Expresses Relief at Beating Australia
