West Indies defeat South Africa by 30 runs in the second T20I and secure the series

Surprisingly, despite being in a dominant position, South Africa lost the second Twenty20 International match against the West Indies by 30 runs on Sunday. The Caribbean team now leads the three-match series 2-0 and cannot be caught thanks to the defeat. West Indies managed a creditable score of 179 for six, but with over six overs remaining, South Africa seemed to be coasting to victory at 129 for 3.

Despite making a fast start of 57-0 after only four overs, South Africa was all out for 149 with two balls remained in the innings. But South Africa could only manage 138-6 as the chase broke down, needing 42 runs in the final four overs. With two of his team’s six sixes in his 18-ball 44, opener Reeza Hendricks top-scored. Romario Shepherd bowled him after he took 3-15 in four overs. Shamar Joseph came back on 3–31.

The West Indies team was the same as the one that won the initial Twenty Twenty Twenty match at the same venue last Friday by seven wickets thanks to 13 sixes. Fast medium left-armer Nandre Burger of South Africa was replaced by 3-36 scorer Lizaad Williams. Tuesday is also the final Twenty20 of the series, at Tarouba.

At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium, Reeza Hendricks scored 44 off 18 balls to lead the chase early in the game, but the West Indies’ seamers had a day to remember.

In his four overs, Romario Shepherd grabbed 3-15, including the crucial wickets of Aiden Markram (19) and Hendricks.

Shamar Joseph, a fellow pacer, took 3-31 while causing damage to the bottom order.

With his 41 from 22 balls, Shai Hope had put the home team in an excellent position; Sherfane Rutherford’s 29 and captain Rovman Powell’s 35 carried them through the last overs.

at the previous two-match test series against the West Indies, South Africa emerged victorious, winning the second test at Providence, Guyana, following a rain-affected draw in the first test at Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Rovman Powell: “We put the pressure after the powerplay. Wickets would bring us back in the game. T20 cricket can change very fast. I’m pretty excited… Brandon King is our No. 1 opener, and he is not here. It’s always good to beat such a good team. They are a quality team, nevertheless. It has become a regular here in Trinidad – we are forever grateful to the people of Trinidad.”

Aiden Markram: “Somewhere in the middle overs. We did well in the powerplay, which is really nice to see compared to the other evening. Has been around for a while; proper competitor. It’s tough to put a finger on the learnings right now. One thing guaranteed with us is a never-say-die attitude.”

Romario Shepherd is the Player of the Match: “I’m very pleased. I just paid more attention to my execution. I take it ball by ball… In T20 cricket, you can’t come back by thinking about your past performances. I executed better today. My role is to come, and try and hit as much as possible.”