In a thrilling start to the upcoming T20 World Cup, hosts West Indies reigned supreme with a 28-run win over South Africa on May 23, Thursday. Despite missing some key players due to IPL commitments and vacation, both teams showcased their talent in a pulsating encounter at Sabina Park.
West Indies dominant knock
West Indies used home advantage with Brandon King’s explosive 79 off just 45 balls. Leading the half in the absence of Rovman Powell, King set the pace with boundaries and innovative batting. Supported by Kyle Mayers, Brandon King took West Indies to a massive score of 175/8.
In from of his home crowd!🔥 Brandon King brings the heat to Sabina Park!🇯🇲
LIVE Scorecard⬇️ https://t.co/k1jFJIYY04#WIREADY #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/wiBZXFE0Oi
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 23, 2024
West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie took figures of 3-25 to rip the heart out of the middle order, including captain Rassie van der Dussen’s 17.
Using his local knowledge, the 29-year-old King registered his 10th international half-century. He shared a 79-run partnership for the second wicket with Kyle Mayers, who scored 34 off 25 balls with three sixes and one four. Together they scored 109-1 in 10 overs against two-time world champions West Indies in the shortest format of the game.
South Africa’s Chase
In reply, South Africa chased down 147, although Reeza Hendricks reached his 15th T20 international half-century. South Africa never recovered from that when he lost the first innings to star opener Quinto de Kock for just four runs from 51 balls with six sixes and six fours.
The Proteas struggled to build momentum and after 10 overs to score just 77, the visitors fell at regular intervals.
Matthew Breetzke (19) was the only South African batsman to reach the mark two-digit numbers. Fast bowler Matthew Forde, making only his second T20 international, took 3-27 and dismissed De Kock and then Hendricks and Ottneil Baartman in successive balls to end South Africa’s innings in the fifth innings.
South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo curbed his medium pace and dismissed King before sending back Andre Fletcher and Fabian Allen for four in the 15th over. Phehlukwayo finished with impressive figures of 3-28 from his four overs.
Fast bowler Baartman also shone on his debut with 3-26, dismissing Johnson Charles (one), Akeal Hosein (two), and Forde (five). Roston Chase was unbeaten on 32 and 30 deliveries.
Match Outline:
West Indies Innings:
– Total: 175/8 in 20 overs
– Best Performer: Brandon Lord (79 off 45)
– Bowling Standouts: Ottneil Baartman (3/26), Andile Phehlukwayo (3/28)
South Africa Innings:
– Total: 147 all out in 19.5 overs
– Beat Performer: Reeza Hendricks (87 off 51)
– Bowling Standouts: Gudakesh Motie (3/25), Obed McCoy (2/15).
“I know the conditions well, which was an advantage,” said Brandon King, who played on his home court at Sabina Park. “We knew we had to fight hard against the new ball because it was going to get tougher later, we were aiming for 200-220 because we had the score in hand, but we fell behind on a difficult pitch. “West Indies played differently than we expected,” Van der Dussen said. “If they hadn’t started so well, everything would have been different, but we have to learn to adapt faster.
West Indies’ earnest victory serves as an articulation of aim ahead of the T20 World Glass, whereas South Africa will see to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities. With both groups displaying their capability and flexibility, fans can expect an elating competition filled with exciting experiences.
Highlights:
– King’s aggressive innings laid the establishment for West Indies’ imposing add up to.
– In spite of a solid begin, the middle order faltered, with no batsman but King and Mayers coming to twofold   figures.
– Ottneil Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo starred for South Africa with three wickets each.
WI WIN!đź’Ą
A great start from the #MenInMaroon in the 1st T20I.🏏#WIREADY #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/uIDw6NYOiM
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 23, 2024
The second and third games of the series will moreover be played in Kingston on Saturday and Sunday, ahead of the T20 World Cup, hosted by the West Indies and the United States, beginning on June 2.
