1st T20I: Pooran, Hope guide WI to victory over SA
The West Indies cricket team secured a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the first T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. South Africa, batting first, set a challenging score of 174/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Tristan Stubbs, who scored 76 off just 42 deliveries, led the proceedings from the visitors. However, WI comfortably crossed the line thanks to a destructive 65* from Nicholas Pooran.
Windies chase down target with ease
The West Indies successfully chased down South Africa's target in just 17.5 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Shai Hope (51 off 36) and Pooran (65 off 26). The team's pursuit began strongly with openers Alick Athanaze (40 off 30) and Hope contributing an impressive 84 runs for the first wicket within eight overs. However, Ottniel Baartman managed to break this formidable partnership by dismissing Athanaze caught at mid-off.
Pooran's onslaught seals victory for West Indies
Despite Baartman's efforts, the West Indies continued their dominant performance as Pooran stepped up to bat. The wicketkeeper-batter played an extraordinary knock of 65 off just 26 deliveries, hitting two fours and seven sixes. He was well-supported by Hope, with the duo adding 54 runs for the second wicket in just 33 balls. Baartman (2/30) managed to get Hope out lbw but couldn't stop Pooran's onslaught which ultimately sealed a seven-wicket victory for the West Indies.
South Africa's early struggle and late surge
Earlier in the match, South Africa struggled against the new ball spells from Matthew Forde (3/27) and Shamar Joseph (2/40). The Proteas were left reeling at 33/4 after just 6.1 overs. However, a crucial partnership between Patrick Kruger (44 off 32) and Stubbs helped stabilize their innings with a 71-run stand off 50 balls. Despite Forde breaking this partnership in the 17th over, Stubbs's late onslaught propelled South Africa to a respectable total of 174/7.
West Indies scripted this record
Despite South Africa's efforts to turn the tide by dismissing Hope and captain Rovman Powell (7), the outcome was never in doubt. The West Indies surpassed the target with 13 balls remaining, securing their victory. A silver lining for South Africa was young left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka making his international debut at just 18 years and 137 days old, and claiming the wicket of Powell. Meanwhile, WI recorded the highest-successful T20I chase at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium.
