West Indies vs South Africa T20 Series Nicholas Pooran Unbeaten 65 Powers West Indies to Crushing Win over South Africa
Nicholas Pooran was a star with bat in hand as he notched quick-fire unbeaten 65 runs off just 26 balls to help West Indies thrash South Africa by seven-wickets return and win the first T20I of the series here on Friday. The victory helped the side take a 1-0 lead in their three-match series.
South Africa, who won the toss and chose to bat first in a second-string team after resting some of their key players, made 174-7 from their allotted 20 overs. The total, however, was nowhere near good enough as West Indies’ top-order batsmen fired from the outset. And the trio at the top of order left all but carried them home as they swamped Sri Lanka with a series of boundaries to reach their target in 13 balls remaining on Monaghan.
Pooran was the standout batsman of the innings as his 22-ball 49, studded with seven sixes and two fours saw Punjab accomplish victory in grand manner. Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope Provide West Indies ‘A’ Good Start as They Begin the Winning Shrines in Five-Match Series Against South Africa — taleofheelsThe path to that victory was paved with a competent 84-run opening partnership built by Alick Athanaze and Shai hope who were both dismissed at the hands of Ottneil Baartman.
South Africa’s playing XI also marked the international debut of 18-year-old quick bowler Kwena Maphaka who became South Africa’s youngest T20I player. Maphaka then struck with his first ball, having West Indies captain Rovman Powell caught at cover.
Having been reduced to 42 for five early in their innings, it took a sixth-wicket partnership of 71 between Tristan Stubbs and Patrick Kruger to help South Africa post a total that was enough. Best of the West Indies bowlers was seamer Matthew Forde with 3-27 while Shamar Joseph finished with 2-40. The second match at the same venue will be played on Sunday.
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