South Africa’s ten-year wait to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals ended with a dramatic win over West Indies, securing their place in the last four after overcoming rain delays and a spirited fightback.
A Challenging Chase in Rain-Adjusted Game
Chasing a target initially set at 136, South Africa’s pursuit was revised to 123 runs off 17 overs due to rain interruptions. The Proteas seemed in control early on but faced a collapse that nearly derailed their campaign. However, the lower order's resilience saw them scrape through, ensuring a spot in the semi-finals.
Key to the Victory: Middle Over Dominance
The game pivoted in the middle overs. Defending a modest total, West Indies couldn’t afford mistakes, yet found themselves faltering. They not only leaked boundaries but also bowled several wides, easing South Africa’s task. These errors proved costly, allowing South Africa to maintain a steady pace despite a late stumble.
West Indies' Performance Breakdown
Power play: Tumultuous Start
Score: 47/2 (RR: 7.83, 4s/6s: 4/2)
South Africa seized control early in the power play. Shai Hope, who shone in their previous match, was dismissed for a duck, hitting straight to a fielder in the first over. Nicholas Pooran’s wicket fell soon after, caught at long off due to a strong breeze. With two quick wickets in the first seven balls, the game tilted in South Africa's favour. Despite this, Kyle Mayers, replacing Brandon King, and Roston Chase showed resilience. Chase aggressively swept Keshav Maharaj for a six, and Mayers closed the power play with his own six, stabilising the innings.
Middle Overs: Loss of Momentum
Score: 50/3 (RR: 5.55, 4s/6s: 2/2)
West Indies' innings saw contrasting phases in the middle overs. Initially, Chase and Mayers kept the scoreboard ticking against South Africa's spinners. Some risky shots, including a six by Mayers off Markram that led to a collision between Rabada and Jansen, and Chase’s slog-swept six off Shamsi, gave hope. However, Shamsi and Maharaj turned the tide by taking crucial wickets. Mayers was the first to fall, followed by Rovman Powell, and soon after, Sherfane Rutherford edged to slip, reducing West Indies from 86/2 to 94/5.
Death Overs: Crucial Run-Out
Score: 38/3 (RR: 7.6, 4s/6s: 2/3)
Chase, with a half-century, and Andre Russell were key to West Indies as they entered the final overs. However, Chase’s attempt to take on Shamsi led to his dismissal, adding to West Indies' woes. South Africa switched back to pace for the closing overs. Russell sparked hope with consecutive sixes off Nortje, but his attempt to steal a run-off Rabada ended with a direct-hit run-out. The tail managed to push the score to 135, falling about 15 runs short of a competitive total.
South Africa's Innings
Power play: Mixed Fortunes
Score: 41/2 (RR: 8.2, 4s/6s: 7/0)
Quinton de Kock set the tone with three boundaries off Akeal Hosein in the first over, raising West Indies' anxiety. However, the tide quickly turned as Russell removed both openers in the second over. Reeza Hendricks fell to a leg-side edge, and de Kock’s mistimed shot resulted in a catch at deep backward square leg. Rain then intervened, adjusting the target to 123 runs from 17 overs. Post-resumption, Hosein's wayward bowling allowed South Africa to find their rhythm again.
Middle Overs: Gaining Upper Hand
Score: 59/3 (RR: 7.37, 4s/6s: 6/1)
Though Markram was dismissed soon after the power play, South Africa remained steady. West Indies' erratic bowling proved costly. Joseph’s wide bouncer and successive boundaries through edges helped South Africa lower the required rate. Heinrich Klaasen also contributed with a six off Motie. Despite a brief moment of hope for West Indies when Joseph’s delivery dismissed Klaasen, McCoy’s poor bowling relieved the pressure. Joseph and Russell tightened the fielding momentarily, leading to David Miller’s wicket.
Death Overs: Nervous Finish, Successful Chase
Score: 24/1 (RR: 7.57, 4s/6s: 1/1)
South Africa flirted with danger in the final overs of what felt like a must-win knockout game. Tristan Stubbs' mistimed shot handed West Indies a chance, and Maharaj’s attempt at a big hit resulted in another wicket. However, Rabada’s boundary over extra cover eased the tension, reducing the target to 5 runs off 6 balls. Marco Jansen then sealed the victory with a six over McCoy’s head on the first ball of the final over.
Summary
West Indies, finishing at 135/8 with Chase scoring 52 and Mayers 35, fell short as South Africa reached 124/7 in 16.1 overs. South Africa’s seventh consecutive win in the competition propels them into the semi-finals alongside England. They now await results from the other group to learn their next opponent.
What’s Next for West Indies and South Africa
West Indies' campaign concludes despite their valiant efforts in front of enthusiastic home crowds. South Africa’s progression to the semi-finals continues their quest for the title as they prepare to face their next challenge.