West Indies keep World Cup momentum with win over South Africa

The West Indies have continued their purple patch of form in T20I cricket, defeating world No.5 South Africa in the highest-ever successful chase at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba on Saturday (AEST).

After South Africa batted first and put on 174/7, the visitors would have been confident they had posted a defendable total.

The tally was no challenge for the big-hitting West Indians, however, as the home team took just 17.5 overs to chase down the target with seven wickets to spare.

They now go 1-0 up in the three-match series, with cricket betting sites putting them as odds-on favourite to win the second T20I as well.

Stubbs saves South African innings

South Africa did not get off to a good start, with Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendrick and Aiden Markram falling inside the powerplay.

When Rassie van der Dussen fell the ball after the powerplay ended, and Donovan Ferreira joined him in the sheds soon after, it was down to Tristan Stubbs to carry his team.

The No.4 did so well, making 76 from 42 and getting good company from Patrick Kruger (44 from 32).

The two put on a 71-run partnership, with Stubbs falling on the penultimate ball of the innings to see his team through to a par-total.

Pooran carries bat in impressive captain’s knock

In response, the West Indies were brutally efficient in their chase.

Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope came out swinging, racing out to 84/0 inside eight overs.

When Athanaze fell from 40 from 30, things only got worse for South Africa.

In walked wicketkeeper batsman Nicolas Pooran, who swiftly helped himself to seven sixes from just 26 balls, piling on an impressive 65 runs.

Pooran remained not out, with Rovman Powell and Roston Chase helping him to the finish line after Shai Hope fell for 51 from 36 balls.

“I just felt like Shai and Alick put South Africa under pressure in the powerplay,” Pooran said after receiving the man-of-the-match award.

“At the 10-over mark, we knew it was a better wicket and my job was simple.

“I just had to take on my match-ups.

“With rain around, the first 10 overs were tricky when SA batted.

“Stubbs and Kruger played well, but we knew the wicket would get better.”

South Africa and the West Indies meet for the second T20I of the series on Monday morning (AEST).

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