The Proteas collapsed from a winning position to lose their three-match T20 series against the West Indies.
South Africa suffered a dramatic collapse from a strong position to lose by 30 runs to the West Indies in their T20 international on Sunday. This defeat gave the Caribbean side an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
West Indies posted a total of 179 for six, but the Proteas seemed on course for victory, reaching 129/3 with more than six overs to go.
A Memorable Day for West Indies’ Seamers
The Proteas then lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs in 35 balls, eventually being bowled out for 149.
Reeza Hendricks provided a solid start to the run chase with 44 off 18 balls, but it was the West Indies’ seamers who stole the show at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium.
Romario Shepherd took 3-15 from his four overs, including the crucial wickets of Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram (19).
Fellow pacer Shamar Joseph also played a key role, taking 3-31 and dismantling the lower order.
Shai Hope set the foundation for the West Indies with 41 off 22 balls, while captain Rovman Powell (35) and Sherfane Rutherford (29) helped the team through the final overs.
A Youthful Team’s Tough Lesson
Powell expressed satisfaction with how his team turned the game around after South Africa’s strong start.
“We applied pressure after the powerplay. Wickets were the key to getting back into the game. T20 cricket can change very fast,” Powell said.
Markram acknowledged that his experimental and youthful team would learn from the loss and aim to improve in the final game on Tuesday.
“It’s tough to pinpoint the lessons right now, but one thing guaranteed with us is a never-say-die attitude,” Markram said.
