Athanaze and Hope smashed 75 runs in the powerplay, overshadowing Stubbs’ resilient 76.
In the match, West Indies scored 176 for 3 (Pooran 65*, Hope 51, Athanaze 40, Baartman 2-30) to defeat South Africa, who made 174 for 7 (Stubbs 76, Kruger 44, Forde 3-27, Shamar 2-40), by seven wickets.
With this win, West Indies achieved the highest successful T20 chase at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against South Africa.
West Indies Secure Win Despite South Africa Fightback
Opting to bowl first, West Indies took charge after a one-hour rain delay, reducing South Africa to 42 for 5 in eight overs. South Africa staged a comeback with a sixth-wicket stand of 71 runs off 50 balls between Patrick Kruger and Tristan Stubbs, followed by a seventh-wicket partnership of 60 runs off 25 balls between Stubbs and Bjorn Fortuin. Matthew Forde, in his third T20I, matched his career-best figures with 3 for 27.
In response, West Indies maintained control throughout the chase. Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze combined for 84 runs in 49 balls for the opening wicket, followed by a 54-run stand between Hope and Nicholas Pooran off 33 balls that effectively dismantled South Africa’s defense. Pooran, who scored his fastest T20I fifty in just 20 balls, ended unbeaten on 65 off 26.
With Lungi Ngidi absent due to a calf strain, South Africa’s bowling depth was tested. Debutant Kwena Maphaka, at 18 years and 137 days, claimed his first international wicket by dismissing West Indies captain Rovman Powell. However, West Indies only needed three more runs to win, and Roston Chase sealed the victory with a four, finishing the match with 13 balls to spare.
West Indies' Early Strikes and Stubbs' Rescue
West Indies’ innings began slowly, but once the first boundary was struck, the scoring surged. Athanaze, in his second T20I, started with a sweep over long leg, while Hope launched shots over long-off and deep square-leg. The real breakthrough came in the fifth over when Athanaze scored 20 runs off Nandre Burger, including two sixes and a stylish late cut. South Africa’s attempts to stem the tide included introducing Aiden Markram, who proved costly as Hope smashed 16 runs off his over, featuring two sixes. West Indies ended the powerplay with an impressive 75 runs.
As West Indies required 70 runs from 54 balls, Pooran seized the moment. In the 12th over, he punished Burger with four consecutive sixes, reducing the target to 45 off 48 balls. Despite losing a couple of wickets, West Indies chased down the target comfortably.
Hope and Athanaze Ignite West Indies' Chase
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Conclusion
West Indies delivered a commanding performance in their T20I opener against South Africa, showcasing their batting prowess and tactical acumen. A strong start by Athanaze and Hope set the foundation, with a thrilling powerplay of 75 runs illustrating their aggressive intent. Despite a slow beginning, the pair’s quick acceleration and Pooran’s explosive hitting ensured that the chase was handled with confidence and flair.
Pooran’s fireworks, including four consecutive sixes, underscored his ability to change the game single-handedly and guided West Indies to a comfortable victory. With this win, West Indies not only demonstrated their formidable batting strength but also set a high benchmark for the remainder of the series. The performance highlighted their potential to dominate in the T20 format, especially with the support of their home crowd.