South Africa has beaten the co-host West Indies in a virtual quarter-final match of ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They have now cemented their place in the Semi Final Stage of the tournament as they are on the top of the points table of Group 2 in Super 8 stage. They will face the 2nd ranked team from Group 1, which will probably be Australia or Afghanistan. South Africa, not regarded as the best tournament team, often called Chokers, have kept their nerve during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. At least 5 of their seven games thus far have been close finishes. But thanks to these contests, they have found heroes in Maharaj, KG Rabada, David Miller, and now Jansen. If you have missed the enthralling today match South Africa vs West Indies held in North Sound, then this article will provide every piece of information regarding the game.
South Africa‘s Bowling Dominates as West Indies Struggle to Post a Defendable Total
Early Breakthroughs for South Africa: SA vs WI Highlights
The match began with Aiden Markram, South African Captain, winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The Proteas reaped the rewards straightaway for this decision when the last match’s hero, Shai Hope, fell in the first over of the game. Though West Indies, with their typical aggressive approach, decided to counter-attack. The effort did not yield results as N. Pooran was also dismissed on the first ball of the second over by the opposition captain.
Partnership and Setbacks for West Indies: WI vs SA
Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase steadied the ship and scored an 80-run partnership, while South Africa dropped around four chances in the field. However, Tabraiz Shamsi and Maharaj quickly dismissed Kyle Mayers and Rovman Powell to put West Indies on the back foot. Conversely, Roston Chase was formidable as ever, nudging ones and twos and scoring the occasional boundary. He scored a fifty and set a perfect template for Andre Russell and Sherman Rutherford to give them a rock-solid finish. Sadly, Dre Russ perished thanks to a run-out after clobbering Anrich Nortje for two sixes.
West Indies Post a Modest Total
As Aiden Markram bowled four consecutive overs at the start of the innings, becoming only the second South African to do so, KG Rabada’s services were not needed until the 18th over. With a few edges, West Indies posted a worthwhile total of 135. Shamsi stood out with three crucial wickets. The score was not below par by any stretch of the imagination, citing the bowling attack of the West Indies
Rain-Interrupted Chase Sees South Africa Clinch Victory and Secure Semi-Final Spot
Early Setbacks for South Africa: SA vs WI
South Africa began their chase in the usual fashion, with Quinton De Kock trying to make the most of the powerplay. However, the Caribbean star from Jamaica, Andre Russell, dismissed Reeza Hendricks and Quinton De Kock in the second over of the game. Rain halted the play for a period of time, reducing the South African innings to 17 overs and adjusting the target to 123 runs.
South Africa Overcome Challenges: SA vs WI
Markram and Stubbs scored some boundaries after the resumption of play, but Alzarri Joseph dismissed the Proteas captain shortly after that. Klaasen was sent to deal with the left-arm spinners, and he did so effectively. The game-changing over from Motie, in which Klaasen plundered 20 runs, remained the match’s highlight. Though Klaasen, Miller, and then Stubbs were dismissed in a space of around 20 runs, Marco Jansen continued scoring runs at the other end. Roston Chase bowled some excellent overs, taking three wickets and bringing West Indies back into the game. However, even his heroics in both bowling and batting were not enough. With five runs remaining in the last over, Jansen went ballistic and scored a straight six on the first ball of the over, confirming a semi-final berth for South Africa.
Key Takeaways from the SA vs WI game: Overview
Power Play played a crucial role in determining the fate of the South Africa vs West Indies game. As in the South Africa vs. England game, De Kock scored runs up front to give South Africa the advantage. However, even with Russel taking care of the openers, Akeal Hossien conceded boundaries thanks to loose deliveries that eased the pressure on the Proteas. And then, as mentioned, the difference was Motie’s over, in which Klaasen took him to the cleaners.
South Africa, at a stage where they have historically been vulnerable, now face a crucial test. In previous ICC T20 and ODI World Cups, they have stumbled at the most critical moments mostly in knockouts. This is their third appearance in the Semi Final stage of ICC T20 World Cups with the last one in 2014 where Kohli denied them the final. However, this time, South Africa is led by a captain with a proven track record. Aiden Markram, a champion of the U 19 world cup in 2014, brings his winning spirit to the senior side, instilling hope for a different outcome.
