Picture Credit: AFP/Getty Images/Associated Press
South Africa delivered a commanding performance to overpower West Indies by nine wickets in their Super 8s match in Ahmedabad.
Captain Aiden Markram led with authority, remaining unbeaten on 82 as his side chased down 177 in only 16.1 overs while losing a single wicket.
The result ensured that the Proteas stayed undefeated in the competition and moved closer to confirming a semi-final spot. In contrast, the West Indies must now secure a victory in their upcoming fixture to remain in contention.
Markram and Quinton de Kock set the tempo immediately, collecting quick runs from the outset. Their attacking intent during the power play placed the bowlers under pressure, allowing South Africa to surge to 69 without loss after six overs.
West Indies eventually claimed a breakthrough when Roston Chase dismissed De Kock with a cleverly disguised slower delivery. The left-hander had earlier struck an entertaining 47 from 24 balls, peppering the boundary with fours and sixes.
Despite that setback, Markram maintained the momentum. He reached his half-century briskly and continued to control proceedings with confident stroke play.
Ryan Rickelton complemented him effectively with an unbeaten 45 as the chase concluded comfortably with overs to spare.
Earlier in the evening, the West Indies endured a turbulent start despite early attacking strokes from Shai Hope and Brandon King.
The innings lost direction when Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi removed key batters in quick succession, leaving the side reeling at 52/4 by the end of the powerplay.
Further wickets from the South African bowlers deepened the crisis and left the middle order exposed. Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd then rebuilt the innings through a determined stand of 89 runs.
Shepherd compiled a composed unbeaten 52, while Holder fell just short of a deserved half-century after scoring 49. Their partnership propelled West Indies to 176/8, but the total ultimately proved inadequate against South Africa’s confident batting unit.
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