In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa edged past the West Indies with a five-wicket victory, securing their place in the semi-finals. The Proteas remain unbeaten, winning a nail-biter that ended the co-hosts’ campaign.
South Africa’s decision to field first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua paid off immediately. Captain Aiden Markram handed the new ball to Marco Jansen, who struck on his very first delivery, dismissing Shai Hope for a golden duck. Jansen continued his fine form, inducing an error from Nicholas Pooran, caught by Jansen himself in the next over.
Although Jansen had a chance for another wicket, an Anrich Nortje drop off Roston Chase’s bat allowed the Windies to recover. Chase, alongside Kyle Mayers, mounted a Powerplay fightback, guiding the West Indies to 47/2 at the six-over mark.
The match witnessed a dramatic moment in the eighth over when Mayers hit a six, resulting in an unfortunate collision between Jansen and Kagiso Rabada at the boundary rope. The incident paused the game as Jansen was taken off for assessment, while Rabada stayed on but was not immediately used as a bowler.
Despite a promising partnership, the West Indies faltered after Mayers’ dismissal in the 12th over. Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford fell in quick succession, and Tabraiz Shamsi’s removal of Chase for 52 further dented the Windies’ progress. Andre Russell’s brief cameo included two massive sixes, but a risky single led to his run-out by Nortje.
Rabada, proving his fitness, bowled a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss Akeal Hosein. Alzarri Joseph added some late runs, helping the Windies reach 135/8.
Needing 136 to win, Quinton de Kock started aggressively. However, Andre Russell struck twice in his second over, removing both Reeza Hendricks and de Kock, leaving the Proteas in a precarious position. Rain intervened, and upon resumption, the target was adjusted to 123 off 17 overs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship, with Stubbs hitting crucial boundaries. Despite losing Klaasen to a stunning catch by Pooran, Stubbs and Markram continued to build the innings. However, Stubbs’ dismissal for 29 reignited the Windies’ hopes.
Roston Chase bowled brilliantly, and with the match hanging in the balance, South Africa needed 13 off 12 balls. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, the duo involved in the earlier collision, were at the crease. A crucial boundary from Jansen made the target achievable, and he sealed the victory with a six off the first ball of the final over.
South Africa’s win was not without its nervy moments, but the emphatic finish ensured their unbeaten streak continued. The Proteas have demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, qualities that will be crucial as they advance to the semi-finals.
With seven wins from seven, South Africa now heads into the knockout stages with confidence. Their ability to handle tense situations and deliver under pressure makes them a formidable contender for the title.
Stay tuned as the Proteas continue their quest for T20 World Cup glory, bringing their A-game to the final four.
My Goat Sports 