Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Year : 2, Issue: 25
South Africa held their collective nerve to edge West Indies by three wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-disrupted shootout for a semi-final spot at the Twenty20 World Cup in Antigua on Sunday.
The unbeaten Proteas joined England in the last four as Group 2 winners when Marco Jansen (21 not out) smashed a six down the ground off the first ball of the final over to get South Africa to their adjusted target of 123.
“There’s a lot of relief ultimately to get through to get to the semi-final,” said South Africa captain Aiden Markram.
West Indies knew they were under-par and needed a big bowling effort and Russell gave them a great start.
He struck with the first delivery of the innings to remove Reeza Hendricks caught behind down the leg side before having the other South Africa opener, Quinton de Kock, caught at backward square leg for 12 five deliveries later.
The crowd at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium came to life but any momentum the West Indies had built was lost when the skies opened immediately and play was delayed for 90 minutes.
“I think credit must be given to the boys, I think they fought to the very end,” said West Indies skipper Rovman Powell.
Source: Reuters
