South Africa secured their spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals by defeating the West Indies by three wickets in a rain-affected match in Antigua. Marco Jansen's decisive six sealed the win, allowing South Africa to finish at the top of Group Two, ahead of England. The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, saw South Africa in control for most of the game, though late wickets created a tense finish.
The West Indies faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Shai Hope and Nicolas Pooran within the first two overs. However, Roston Chase and returning opener Kyle Mayers stabilised the innings, contributing an 84-run partnership for the third wicket. Mayers was eventually dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi for 35, followed by captain Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford in quick succession. Shamsi, who ended with figures of three for 27, also claimed Chase's wicket for 52 off 42 balls, leaving the West Indies at 97 for six. Andre Russell's two sixes helped push the total to 135 for eight.
Russell then took the wickets of Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock in the second over of South Africa's innings before rain interrupted play, reducing South Africa's target to 123 from 17 overs. South Africa, after losing Aiden Markram for 18, appeared to be in control at 77 for three in the eighth over. However, Alzarri Joseph's dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen for 22 and Roston Chase's key wicket of Tristan Stubbs for 29 set up a tense finale, with five runs needed from the last over.
Jansen ended the suspense swiftly, hitting the first ball for six, ensuring South Africa remained unbeaten and advanced to the semi-finals. England also progressed to the last four alongside them.
Tabraiz Shamsi, named Player of the Match, commented on the team's resilience, saying, "We keep finding a way to win these matches whatever the situation. Our supporters would probably like bigger wins. But things like this keep us in check, and we've been able to overcome these moments throughout the tournament."
Upcoming Matches
South Africa will face the second-placed team from Group One in the semi-finals, while England will take on the group leader. The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, June 27, with the final set for June 29.