West Indies ‘tick boxes’ in shortened T20 against South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — West Indian captain Shai Hope said his team were “ticking more boxes” after they won a reduced-overs third and final T20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
After losing the first two matches, the West Indies won a match reduced to 10 overs a side by six runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
The threat of lightning delayed the start by 75 minutes and a scheduled 16 overs a side match was further reduced by another lightning stoppage.
Hope (48) and Shimron Hetmyer (48 not out) put on 86 off 41 balls for the second wicket in a total of 114 for three.
Chasing an adjusted target of 125, South Africa made 118 for six.
Two West Indian bowlers, playing for the only time in the series, played crucial roles.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took three for 17 and was named man of the match, while fast bowler Shamar Joseph conceded only nine runs in the final over and struck a decisive blow when he bowled big-hitting Jason Smith, who made 26 off 10 balls.
“It’s very challenging when you are stopping and starting,” said Hope.
“It’s more challenging batting first. I’m very happy with the strides we’re making. It’s good to see Shimron batting well and the bowlers are hitting their straps.”
Both teams will depart for India on Sunday for the T20 World Cup.
South African captain Aiden Markram said the frantic nature of Saturday’s match had been “a really good exercise for us” with players being put under pressure and several of them responding well.
He said there had been “a lot of good signs for us” after South Africa won the first two matches convincingly.
“I think we’ve got all bases covered,” he said.
Hetmyer followed up top scores of 48 and 75 in the first two matches by hitting six sixes and a four off 22 balls in another impressive innings.
Brief scores:
West Indies 114-3 in 10 overs (S Hope 48, S Hetmyer 48 not out) v South Africa 118-6 in 10 overs (G Motie 3-17)
Result: West Indies won by six runs (DLS method).
Series: South Africa won the three-match series 2-1
Toss: South Africa
