The T20 World Cup Super Eight match between South Africa and the West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, saw a thrilling conclusion as South Africa triumphed by 3 wickets via the DLS method. This victory ensured the Proteas a spot in the semifinals, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament. With this win, South Africa joins the defending champions, England, in the final four of the prestigious tournament.
Match Overview
In overcast conditions, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first. His decision proved to be a masterstroke as South Africa’s bowlers restricted the West Indies to a modest 135/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a couple of early setbacks, West Indies staged a brief fightback, but the Proteas remained in control throughout.
West Indies’ Struggles with the Bat
West Indies had a disastrous start to their innings. They lost openers Shai Hope (0) and Nicholas Pooran (1) in quick succession. However, Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase stabilized the innings with a strong partnership. The pair put on an 81-run stand for the third wicket off 65 balls, looking to build a competitive total. But their partnership was broken by South Africa’s leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who dismissed Mayers (35) in the 12th over.
Following the dismissal of Mayers, captain Rovman Powell (1) was also sent back to the pavilion by Keshav Maharaj. West Indies’ middle order continued to falter as Shamsi, who had been in fine form, dismissed Sherfane Rutherford (0) in the 14th over and later removed Chase (52) in the 16th over. Although Andre Russell hit a couple of sixes in an attempt to revive the innings, his run-out in the 18th over left the hosts in a precarious position. West Indies ended their innings at 135/8, with Shamsi finishing with impressive figures of 3-27.
South Africa’s Chase Interrupted by Rain
In response, South Africa’s chase was disrupted by rain, reducing their target to 123 in 17 overs. Despite the setback, South Africa’s batting line-up showed resilience. The Proteas lost early wickets, with Reeza Hendricks (0) and Quinton de Kock (12) both dismissed in Andre Russell’s second over, leaving the team in a precarious position.
However, captain Aiden Markram and young batsman Tristan Stubbs steadied the ship with a 27-run partnership during the powerplay. Markram was dismissed for 18 runs off 15 balls by Alzarri Joseph in the sixth over, bringing Heinrich Klaasen to the crease. Klaasen and Stubbs then combined for a quick 35-run stand off 16 balls, but once again, Joseph made inroads, removing Klaasen for 16.
Stubbs, who had looked solid, continued to fight, but he too fell for 29 off 14 balls, with Roston Chase taking the crucial wicket in the 12th over. At this point, South Africa still had work to do, but the ever-reliable Marco Jansen stepped up. With an unbeaten knock of 21 runs off 14 balls, including a six and a four, Jansen guided his team to victory with five balls to spare, ensuring South Africa’s place in the semifinal.
Key Performances
- Roston Chase (West Indies): 52 runs off 42 balls, 3 wickets for 12 runs
- Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa): 3 wickets for 27 runs
- Marco Jansen (South Africa): 21* off 14 balls, match-winning contribution
Conclusion
South Africa’s all-round performance helped them seal a thrilling 3-wicket victory over West Indies via the DLS method. This win guarantees them a place in the T20 World Cup semifinals, where they will look to continue their unbeaten run. West Indies, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance but can take pride in the fight shown by Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers.
Category: T20 World Cup, Cricket News
Tags: T20 World Cup 2025, South Africa cricket, West Indies cricket, Aiden Markram, Roston Chase, DLS Method, Cricket Semifinals, T20 cricket results, Proteas cricket, Cricket match highlights
