The Proteas will be out to avoid a T20I series whitewash when they face off against the West Inides in the third and final T20 at Trinidad. James Richardson previews.
West Indies v South Africa
Tuesday 27 August 2024 – 21:00
Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
The West Indies clinched the series with another comfortable win in the second match as South Africa couldn’t live with their batting power.
South Africa are out to build depth and there will be some pain in that as they look well off the pace in this series.
The contest remains at the Brian Lara Academy Stadium in Tarouba which favours the hosts after back-to-back wins.
To Win Match
West Indies 57/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 29/20
West Indies once again got a stable platform as their openers nearly made it through the powerplay before a wicket finally fell and it seems that Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope make a great combination.
Beyond their openers, a potent middle order lies in wait inlcuding finishers Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford.
With the ball, Shamar Joseph got the crucial breakthrough wicket for the hosts after the South African openers threatened to take charge of the game.
Romario Shepherd followed that up as he took out the guts of the Proteas and ensured they wouldn’t get close to the total.
There were glimpses of positives for South Africa once again, especially when Ryan Rickleton and Reeza Hendricks got them off to a flying start.
The Proteas still don’t bat that deep in the T20I format with Bjorn Fortuine a little out of place as a No 8 when the heat is on.
While the pitch was tricky, the Proteas quicks lacked a penetrative edge and allowed the West Indies to build partnerships.
Young Kwena Maphaka has bowled better than his figures suggest and these experiences will stand him in good stead going forward.
Verdict: West Indies 57/100
The West Indies should remain on top in this series.
