Ahmadabad: South Africa strengthened their position in the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies in a Super Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss, South Africa elected to field and immediately applied pressure. Their bowlers reduced West Indies to 83 for seven, leaving the Caribbean side struggling to post a competitive total.
However, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd launched a spirited counterattack. The pair stitched together a record 89-run stand for the eighth wicket, the highest by a full-member nation in T20 Internationals, surpassing Scotland’s previous mark of 80.
Shepherd remained unbeaten on 52, while Holder fell run out for 49 in the final over. As a result, West Indies finished on 176 for eight. Lungi Ngidi led the bowling attack with three wickets for 30 runs, while Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets each.
In response, South Africa dominated from the outset. The openers raced to 69 without loss in the powerplay, setting the tone for a comfortable chase.
Although Quinton de Kock departed for 45, captain Aiden Markram anchored the innings with an unbeaten 82. Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton supported him with a steady 45 not out.
Consequently, South Africa reached the 177-run target in the 17th over, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The win keeps South Africa unbeaten in the tournament and significantly boosts their semi-final prospects. Meanwhile, West Indies will face India on Sunday in a must-win encounter, while India takes on Zimbabwe later on Thursday.
