By Marcus Moloko
The West Indies clinched a narrow six-run victory over South Africa in a rain-affected third T20 International at Wanderers Stadium on Saturday, to retain pride and prevent a series clean sweep. Despite the win, South Africa secured the series 2-1.
The match was reduced to 10 overs per side after a 75-minute lightning delay.
Batting first, the West Indies posted 114-3, powered by captain Shai Hope’s explosive 48 off 19 balls and Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 48 from 22 deliveries.
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Hope struck three fours and three sixes before falling in the final over, while Hetmyer smashed six sixes but was stranded at the non-striker’s end late in the innings.
Rovman Powell added 13, and Johnson Charles was dismissed cheaply by Lungi Ngidi. South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the assault, with Aiden Markram conceding 18 runs in a single over, though Corbin Bosch impressed with figures of 0-16 from two overs.
Chasing a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 125, South Africa began brightly through Quinton de Kock, who hit 28 off 14 balls before being caught at long on by Gudakesh Motie.
Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis offered brief resistance, but Brevis fell to a sharp catch by Romario Shepherd.
Jason Smith’s rapid 26 off 10 balls reignited hopes, yet wickets fell at crucial moments.
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George Linde and Tristan Stubbs could not provide the finishing touch as the West Indies bowlers tightened their grip.
Akeal Hosein and Motie were instrumental, each claiming three wickets for 17 runs in their two overs.
Shamar Joseph delivered the decisive blow, dismissing Smith in the final over to seal the win. South Africa ultimately fell short of the target, finishing six runs adrift.
The victory gave the West Indies a morale boost, denying South Africa a clean sweep, though the hosts celebrated a 2-1 series triumph.
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