South Africa defeated West Indies by nine wickets in the T20 World Cup, maintaining their 100 per cent record in the tournament, and later India’s win over Zimbabwe confirmed the Proteas’ place in the semi-finals.
A staggering 89 runs between Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder helped West Indies rally from 83-7 to post a defensible 176-8 after 20 overs.
However, a 95-run opening partnership between captain Aiden Markram (82 not out) and Quinton de Kock (47) in the 8th over made them run away from the rest.
Ryan Rickelton added 45 not out as South Africa made 177-1 in 16.1 overs, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to six matches.
The winner of Sunday’s match between West Indies and India will clinch the second semi-final spot from Group 1, while South Africa conclude their Super Eights match against Zimbabwe, who were eliminated on the same day.
A great stand from Jason Holder (left) and Romario Shepherd kept West Indies in contention but they were unable to follow up on their bravery with the ball.
South Africa remain perfect in T20 World Cup
Markram set the tone for the chase, hitting seven boundaries and four sixes on 82 off 46 balls. De Kock hit four sixes and four boundaries in 47 off 24 balls.
Rickelton maintained a fast scoring streak with 45 of 28 pitches. He and Markram shared an unbeaten 80 out of 50 as South Africa won for the fourth time in Ahmedabad with over three overs remaining.
The only wicket-taker was spin-bowling all-rounder Roston Chase, who was drafted in the draft XI in place of spinner Aqeel Hossain.
Pacers’ Sheppard and Holder were unable to lead the West Indies to victory despite giving their team a respectable attack.
Shepherd (52 not out) and Holder (49) lifted West Indies from an embarrassing 83-7 with an 89-run partnership, with Shepherd scoring his first T20 half-century.
In a frenetic powerplay, West Indies lost four wickets in 10 balls to fall to 52-4, while South Africa also dropped three catches in their first six overs.
Kagiso Rabada (2-22) had a slight lead over West Indies captain Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, top-edging wicketkeeper de Kock in the third over. Lungi Ngidi (3-30) defeated Brandon King and Chase in four overs.
Holder and Sheppard stepped on the gas in the death overs. Holder beat Marco Jansen for 23 runs in 18 overs before running out in the final over.
Shepherd completed his half-century by edging the last ball of the innings inside, but South Africa kept the score under par.
Markram rejoices in the responsibility of the highest position
Player of the Match Aiden Markram (82 no off 46 balls):
“We bowled well and the power play was big for us to get through. After that, we were able to get some momentum going at bat.
“The wicket got better again in the second innings. It was sticky early on so we were lucky to get the toss right. Our bowlers gave us less work to do.”
“My plan is to get into a rhythm and not be too rigid and structured. The flow of my hands has helped, but it worked today. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but when it works, it’s great.”
“Regardless of whether you’re the captain or not, you have the responsibility when you step up to bat. Our top three hitters got the team off to a good start. We did that well today, and I hope we can continue.”
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