Hendricks’ Strong Start Ends as South Africa Crumbles with 7 for 20 Collapse
West Indies Beat South Africa by 30 Runs Despite Hendricks’ 44
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West Indies Secure Third Straight T20I Series Win
West Indies claimed their third consecutive T20I series victory against South Africa. They defended a total of 179 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, effectively dismantling a chase that initially looked promising. South Africa, sitting at 129 for 3 in the 14th over, collapsed dramatically. They lost 7 wickets for just 20 runs in 36 balls and were bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs, falling short by 30 runs.
Key Breakthroughs
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie delivered crucial breakthroughs. Hosein dismissed Tristan Stubbs, while Motie took out Donovan Ferreira. This set the stage for Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph to finish off the South African lineup. Shepherd impressed with 3 for 15 from his four overs, and Joseph achieved a career-best 3 for 31. Together, they shifted the momentum, taking South Africa’s chances of leveling the series from hopeful to hopeless.
Strategic Bowling Turned the Tide
West Indies’ T20I Win West Indies knew their total of 179 was chaseable, especially after their record chase of 175 just two days earlier at the same venue. South Africa started strong, reaching 100 inside ten overs. However, West Indies’ bowlers tightened their grip, allowing only one boundary between the 10th and 14th overs. This pressure forced South Africa into mistakes that cost them the match.
South Africa’s Middle-Order Struggles
South Africa’s middle order remains a concern. Only one batter after the No. 3 position managed to score more than 20 runs. Neither team saw a half-century in this match, but West Indies proved to be the superior big-hitting side. They struck 13 sixes compared to South Africa’s six, highlighting a key factor in their victory.
Shai Hope Smashes 41 Off 22 Balls in Dynamic Knock
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Hope’s Aggressive Start
West Indies’ T20I Win Shai Hope, after a match-winning 51 in the first game, showed his intent early on. He slog-swept Bjorn Fortuin over midwicket for his first boundary. In the next over, Hope pulled Kwena Maphaka’s delivery between the wicketkeeper and short fine leg. This opened up a scoring area behind the stumps. Alick Athanaze also used this area, playing Lizaad Williams late through third man. West Indies finished the powerplay at 43 for 1.
Dominating the Leg Side
West Indies’ T20I Win Hope then unleashed his best shots. He hit Aiden Markram for consecutive sixes over midwicket, using the turn and wind. He followed this by pulling Maphaka over cow corner and flicking Patrick Kruger over wide fine leg. Hope clearly favored the leg side, scoring 39 of his 41 runs in that area. However, he was caught at deep point, reaching for a wide delivery from Kruger.
Kruger’s Key Wickets
Kruger took his first T20I wicket by dismissing Hope. Soon after, he claimed his second. Switching ends, Kruger bowled wide outside off, enticing Roston Chase into a big shot. Chase only managed to find Maphaka at the point boundary, leaving West Indies at 94 for 3. Despite Kruger’s efforts, West Indies added 50 runs in the final five overs. Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford added 47 off 28 balls, giving West Indies the upper hand.
Hendricks Propels South Africa with Explosive Start Chasing 180
Hendricks Sparks South Africa’s Chase
West Indies’ T20I Win Reeza Hendricks made an immediate impact with his return. On the last ball of Hosein’s first over, Hendricks pulled a delivery over midwicket for the first boundary. This moment seemed to ignite his innings. Hendricks then hit a wide ball from Matthew Forde over point and a full delivery through the covers. He even managed a well-timed back-foot defensive shot that sped past mid-off for four.
Dominating the Powerplay
West Indies’ T20I Win Hendricks delivered a standout performance against Chase. He struck 22 runs off five balls, including back-to-back sixes. This aggressive play helped South Africa reach fifty runs in just four overs and 71 in the powerplay. Despite falling on the penultimate ball for 44, Hendricks showed he was back in form. Although he missed a half-century, he set up the chase effectively.
Hosein’s Key Breakthroughs
Hosein had a challenging start, conceding 17 runs in his first two overs. He was brought back in the 14th over with South Africa at 125 for 3. Hosein made a critical breakthrough by dismissing Tristan Stubbs. Stubbs attempted to loft a slow ball but was caught by substitute fielder Fabian Allen.
Crucial Late-Over Deliveries
Hosein’s pace-off delivery also trapped Donovan Ferreira, who was stumped by Motie. The final blow came when Van der Dussen tried to hit Hosein over midwicket but only managed to edge it to Joseph. South Africa was left at 138 for 6, needing 42 runs from 24 balls. Joseph and Shepherd dismantled the tail, and Matthew Forde closed out the match.
