Antigua And Barbuda: Following an undefeated line of six matches, five of them far too close for comfort, South Africans have survived a rain-reduced clash and successfully chased a tricky target to book their place in the semi-finals of T20 world cup. South Africa knocked co-hosts West Indies out and have topped their Super Eight group, which means they are also expected to avoid India in the final four of the T20 World Cup. There’s a new-found stubbornness to South Africa and it’s seen them get to a T20 World Cup knockout for the first time in a decade.
Incidentally, when South Africa got to the final four in 2014 tournament, Aiden Markram had just led the under-19 side to the age-group World Cup. Now, he finds himself leading the senior side and he is doing differently and to great success. He took the new ball in this clash, and bowled himself for a full quota of four overs. Markram decided to rely on a non-traditional strength: spin and South Africa were largely responsible for keeping West Indies quiet and for several of the 57 dot balls West Indies faced in their innings – the equivalent of 9.3 overs – and the most at this T20 World Cup.
Only an 81-run stand between Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase kept co-hosts in the match, and they were the only two batsmen to get an individual score over 15. And once the tears have dried, West Indies side will look to their batting as the major cause they were unable to advance in the match. Their bowlers were worked with what they had and had SA 15 for 2 in two overs, before the rain started. Chase’s 3 for 12 and Josephs’ 2 for 25 kept them in it but even with South Africa seven down, West Indies were not in a position to pull off a miracle.
Match Result
West Indies 135/8
South Africa
(16.1/17 ov, T:123) 124/7
South Africa won by 3 wickets (DLS method)
