TAROUBA — West Indies continued their dominance over South Africa with a comprehensive 8-wicket victory in the rain-affected 3rd T20I at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, sealing a 3-0 series win. A powerful display from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran in the chase saw the hosts comfortably reach the revised target of 116 in just 9.2 overs.
South Africa, after being put into bat, posted 108/4 in their 13 overs. Tristan Stubbs’ explosive 40 off 15 balls provided some momentum, but Romario Shepherd’s tight spell of 2/14 kept them in check. The West Indies bowlers used the conditions effectively, with Akeal Hosein (1/11) also delivering a crucial spell.
In response, West Indies wasted no time, with Nicholas Pooran’s blistering 35 off 13 balls setting the tone. Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42 off 24, while Shimron Hetmyer added a quickfire 31* off 17 to guide the hosts to victory with 8 balls to spare.
Match Summary:
South Africa Innings:
South Africa managed 108/4 in their 13 overs, with Tristan Stubbs’ 40 off 15 being the standout performance. Romario Shepherd led the West Indies bowling with figures of 2/14.
West Indies Innings:
West Indies chased down the target in 9.2 overs, thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 35 off 13 and Shai Hope’s unbeaten 42 off 24.
Key Moments:
- Romario Shepherd’s Bowling: Shepherd’s 2/14 restricted South Africa, preventing them from setting a more challenging target.
- Nicholas Pooran’s Powerplay Assault: Pooran’s quickfire 35 off 13 balls took the game away from South Africa early in the chase.
Brief Scores:
South Africa: 108/4 in 13 overs (Tristan Stubbs 40, Ryan Rickelton 27; Romario Shepherd 2/14, Akeal Hosein 1/11)
West Indies: 116/2 in 9.2 overs (Shai Hope 42*, Nicholas Pooran 35; Bjorn Fortuin 1/8)
Result: West Indies beat South Africa by 8 wickets (DLS method).
Player of the Match: Romario Shepherd (West Indies) – 2/14 in 2 overs.
Player of the Series: Shai Hope (West Indies).
