2nd T20I: All-round West Indies seal series against SA
The West Indies cricket team sealed the three-match series with a 30-run victory over South Africa in the second T20I. The match took place on Sunday, August 25 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. After being put into bat first, West Indies set a challenging target of 179/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors were folded for just 149 in response as Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd dismissed three batters apiece.
Shai Hope shines with bat for West Indies
Shai Hope was the standout performer for the West Indies, contributing a quick-fire 41 off just 22 balls. His innings included two fours and four sixes. Alick Athanaze (28 off 21) and Hope provided a solid start with a partnership of 41 runs for the first wicket. However, their stand was broken by Lizaad Williams who dismissed Athanaze in the sixth over.
South Africa's bowling attack and West Indies's response
After Hope's dismissal, South Africa managed to take quick wickets of Roston Chase (7 off 9) and Nicholas Pooran (19 off 19), leaving West Indies at 108/4 after 12.5 overs. However, crucial knocks from captain Rovman Powell (35 off 22) and Sherfane Rutherford (29 off 18), along with a cameo from Romario Shepherd (9 off 6), propelled the hosts to their final score of 179/6. Williams was the most successful bowler for South Africa with figures of 3/36.
Shepherd and Joseph dismantle South Africa's batting lineup
In response to WI's total, South Africa were all out for 149 in 19.4 overs. The visitors' chase was hampered by Shepherd (3/15) and Shamar Joseph (3/31), who dismantled their batting lineup. Shepherd was named Player of the Match for his career second-best figures. Despite a promising start from Reeza Hendricks (44 off 18) and Ryan Rickelton (20 off 13), South Africa could not sustain the momentum due to West Indies's effective bowling attack.
West Indies aim for series whitewash
With this victory, West Indies have taken a 2-0 lead in the series. The team will be aiming for a whitewash in the third and final T20I on Tuesday, August 27 at the same venue. This win underscores their ability to capitalize on crucial moments in T20I cricket and sets the stage for a potential clean sweep in the final match against South Africa.
