Twitter Reactions: West Indies win 2nd T20I to seal series after South Africa’s batting collapse

In the second Twenty20 International at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, the West Indies defeated South Africa by 30 runs to seize an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The Caribbean team has defeated the Proteas in three straight T20I series.

On Monday, August 26, Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first. The opening combination of Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze produced 41 runs in 5.4 overs, giving the Windies a respectable start. After scoring 28 runs off of 21 balls, the southpaw was the first batter to be removed from the game.

In the first few deliveries of his innings, Hope scored 14 runs. But in the eighth over, he unleashed two successive sixes against Markram. After a 22-ball 41, the right-handed hitter eventually left the game. Nicholas Pooran appeared dangerous in the opening game, but he was unable to gain momentum on Monday, going down for a run-a-ball score of 19. The hosts needed a strong finish from Sherfane Rutherford and captain Rovman Powell, so Roston Chase also left cheaply.

They scored 47 runs off of 28 balls, putting the South African bowlers to shame. Powell went for a 22-ball 35, but Rutherford hit 29 off 18 balls. The West Indies scored 50 runs in their final five overs thanks to a six from Romario Shepherd on the final ball of the session. After 20 overs, the home team was all out at 179/6.

The openers’ blistering start is in vain as the West Indies persevere.

Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton added 63 runs in the opening five overs as the tourists, chasing a 180-run target, got off to a brilliant start. Roston Chase bowled an over that scored 23 runs as part of the assault. After dismissing Rickelton for a 13-ball 20, Shamar Joseph gave the Windies the much-needed breakthrough.

Hendricks knocked 44 off 18 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes before giving way in the final over of the powerplay. At the completion of the first six overs, South Africa was 71/2. Despite appearing to be in excellent form, Markram was eventually removed for a nine-ball 19. In their attempt to form a partnership, Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen could only muster a shaky 43 off 39 balls.

Aslo Read: Nicholas Pooran moves up to third place in T20I history for the most sixes vs SA

South Africa was bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs by the dominating West Indies bowlers, after being reduced to 129/3 in 13.4 overs. With stats of 3/15 in four overs, Shepherd was the most impressive bowler of the group. In four overs, Joseph gave up 31 runs and claimed a three-for. While Matthew Forde completed the feat by taking Ottneil Baartman’s final wicket, spinners Akeal Hosein (2/25) and Gudakesh Motie (1/27) also bowled with great control.

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