Ahmedabad: South Africa continued their flawless run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hammering the West Indies cricket team by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium to seal a commanding semifinal berth on Thursday
Chasing 177, the Proteas made light work of the target, cruising to 177/1 in just 16.1 overs — with 23 balls to spare — to underline their title credentials.
Earlier, West Indies recovered from a disastrous 83/7 to post a competitive 176/8 in their 20 overs. A record 89-run stand for the eighth wicket between Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd rescued the innings after South Africa’s disciplined bowling had reduced them to rubble. Lungi Ngidi led the charge with three wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch claimed two apiece.
However, the total proved insufficient against a ruthless South African batting unit.
Captain Aiden Markram once again led from the front with a sublime unbeaten 82 off 46 balls, earning the Player of the Match award. He set the tone early in the chase, capitalising on the Powerplay before accelerating seamlessly through the middle overs.
Quinton de Kock played the aggressor’s role with a rapid 47 off 24 deliveries as the opening pair raced to 95 inside eight overs. Though de Kock fell just short of a half-century, Markram remained unfazed, stitching an unbeaten 82-run stand with Ryan Rickelton to close out the match in emphatic fashion.
South Africa’s comprehensive win makes them the only unbeaten side left in the tournament and firmly places them among the favourites for the title.
For West Indies, the equation is now clear. They will face India national cricket team on March 1 in a virtual knockout clash, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
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