West Indies Dominate South Africa

West Indies secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over South Africa, sealing a clean sweep of the T20I series and reinforcing their dominance in this format. Since March 2023, the West Indies have faced South Africa 10 times in T20Is, winning eight of those encounters, including consecutive 3-0 series triumphs on either side of the T20 World Cup. The latest win came in a rain-shortened match in Trinidad.

The series finale was delayed by rain, pushing the start time back by an hour without reducing the number of overs. However, another weather disruption in the fifth over of South Africa's innings caused a further 70-minute delay, shortening the match to 13 overs per side.

South Africa struggled to post a challenging total, managing 108 for 4, with no significant individual contributions, a recurring issue throughout the series. West Indies spinners Akeal Hosein and stand-in captain Roston Chase played key roles, conceding just 22 runs in their combined five overs. Tristan Stubbs was the only South African to score more than 30, and West Indies' target was adjusted to 116 via the DLS method.

The hosts faced early pressure when Bjorn Fortuin dismissed Alick Athanaze in the first over, but Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran quickly took control. The pair shared a 58-run partnership for the second wicket off just 20 balls, setting the stage for a comfortable chase. Hope then teamed up with Shimron Hetmyer, and their unbeaten 56-run stand ensured West Indies crossed the finish line with 22 balls to spare.

Shepherd’s Impactful Strike

Romario Shepherd emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series, making an immediate impact in his first over by dismissing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. Markram fell to a back-of-a-length delivery, continuing his poor form, while Rickelton was caught at mid-off three balls later, leaving South Africa at 66 for 3 with 20 balls remaining.

Stubbs’ Promising Performance

Tristan Stubbs, who had recently notched his first Test half-century in Trinidad, finished the T20I series as the highest run-scorer for South Africa, showcasing maturity that bodes well for his future. With South Africa needing quick runs, Stubbs took on West Indies’ experienced seamer Obed McCoy in his first over of the series. After settling in, Stubbs hit McCoy for a six, followed by a boundary, and another massive 101-metre six over deep midwicket, amassing 16 runs off three balls and ending his innings on 40 off 15 balls. His efforts helped South Africa cross the 100-run mark and post a competitive total.

Maphaka’s Tough Lesson

Kwena Maphaka’s introduction to international cricket has been a steep learning curve. In his third match in six days, Maphaka struggled during the shortened chase, conceding 22 runs in his first over. His over included a no-ball, a wide, and three sixes, two of which were hit by Pooran, putting West Indies firmly in control of the match.

Hetmyer’s Flourish

Playing his first T20I of the year, Shimron Hetmyer wasted no time making an impact. After a cautious start, Hetmyer found his rhythm, smashing a Maphaka short ball for six and following it up with three boundaries in an over against Ottneil Baartman. Hetmyer’s unbeaten 31 off 17 balls, combined with Hope’s steady hand, ensured West Indies completed the chase with ease, capping off a dominant series.