ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August 25, 2024: In a remarkable display of skill, the West Indies achieved a 30-run victory over South Africa, clinching the three-match T20 series with one game remaining thanks to outstanding bowling performances from Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph.
Batting first, the West Indies set a formidable target of 179 for six in their allotted 20 overs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.
Shepherd and Joseph dominated the South African middle order, capturing six wickets between them as South Africa was dismissed for 149 with just two balls left in their innings.
This victory gave the West Indies a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, having previously won the first T20 by seven wickets on Friday.
Despite South Africa’s promising start in their chase, with openers Ryan Rickelton (20) and Reeza Hendricks, who scored a brisk 44 runs off just 18 balls, quickly reaching 63 runs in less than five overs, the West Indies regained control. Hendricks showcased his hitting prowess by smashing off-spinner Roston Chase for 23 runs in a single over.
The momentum shifted when Joseph took the key wicket of Rickelton, caught at deep backward square by Matthew Forde. Shepherd followed up by bowling Hendricks, who had been aggressively scoring, causing a significant shift at 71-2 in the sixth over.
Though Shepherd later dismissed South African captain Aiden Markram for 19, the visitors still looked in command with Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen adding 43 runs, bringing the score to 129-3 after 14 overs.
However, South Africa faced a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 20 runs. Stubbs was caught off Akeal Hosein for 28, followed by Donovan Ferreira getting stumped off Gudakesh Motie, leaving South Africa at 134 for five.
Hosein then took wickets of van der Dussen (17) and Bjorn Fortuin, leading to South Africa sinking to 144 for seven. Shepherd capped off his brilliant performance by taking his third wicket, while Joseph and Forde wrapped up the innings, sealing a satisfying victory for the home side.
Shepherd concluded the match with impressive figures of 3-15 in four overs, while Joseph recorded his best T20 performance with 3-31. Hosein also contributed effectively with 2-25.
Earlier, the West Indies, after losing the toss and being asked to bat, started steadily with openers Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope contributing 41 runs. Athanaze was among three wickets taken by South African bowler Lizaad Williams, caught at midwicket for 28 while attempting a pull shot.
