West Indies Complete T20I Series Sweep of Proteas
The West Indies achieved a 3-0 sweep of their T20I series against South Africa with a dominant eight-wicket victory at Sabina Park on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 164, the Caribbean side reached the total with 6.1 overs to spare and lost just two wickets in the process.
Openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles gave the West Indies a blistering start, putting on 92 runs in just 6.4 overs. Charles was particularly destructive, scoring 69 off just 26 balls, including 14 boundaries and five sixes.
Kept Up the Momentum
Kyle Mayers continued the aggressive approach after Charles’ departure, ensuring the momentum stayed with the West Indies. When stand-in skipper King was dismissed for 44 off 28 balls, the West Indies were comfortably placed at 130-2 with 9.1 overs remaining. Mayers finished unbeaten on 36, leading the team to a confident win as they prepare to co-host the T20 World Cup with the United States.
“Happy with my own performance,” King commented. “I would’ve liked to carry my bat through to the end. It was an important 3-0 win, the last series before the World Cup, so it’s crucial preparation and good momentum heading into the World Cup. Our bowling performances were very pleasing, showing consistency throughout.”
King also praised Gudakesh Motie and other contributors, highlighting the depth of the team even with some key players missing. He eagerly anticipates reuniting with the full squad, including skipper Rovman Powell and Andre Russell, before the World Cup.
‘Thoroughly Disappointing’ – Proteas Skipper Rassie van der Dussen
South Africa’s stand-in captain, Rassie van der Dussen, was instrumental in setting a respectable target, hitting five sixes in a crucial innings and partnering with Wiaan Mulder for a 77-run stand in 8.1 overs for the fifth wicket.
West Indies’ left-arm pacer Obed McCoy, called into the World Cup squad on Sunday to replace the injured Jason Holder, took 3-39 in four overs. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph contributed with 2-26 in four overs, while Motie added 2-21 in his three overs.
Van der Dussen was candid in his assessment of the series defeat. “Thoroughly disappointing. Not what we had in mind coming here,” he said. “From the first game, they were all over us. We couldn’t adapt, and today we couldn’t find answers with the ball. Not happy with that.”
He stressed the need for the team’s experienced players to take more responsibility and deliver on the field. “We were caught off guard by how they played with the bat, and they were better with the ball. We were taught a few lessons.”
