West Indies Vs South Africa: Aiden Markram steers South Africa in west indies vs south africa victory
by Millie Sian, Elizabeth Botcherby & Maisie Gallen
South Africa completed a nine-wicket victory with 23 balls to spare in a match billed as west indies vs south africa, with Aiden Markram named player of the match. The West Indies had earlier fought back from 43-4 and 83-7 to post 176-8.
West Indies Vs South Africa match summary
West Indies recovered from a precarious start to reach 176-8. The side had been 43-4 and later 83-7 before an eighth-wicket stand steadied the innings. Holder & Shepherd put on 89 off 57 balls for the eighth wicket, helping the total reach a defendable score.
Holder and Shepherd partnership
Holder and Shepherd combined for an 89-run partnership off 57 balls for the eighth wicket, a stand that transformed the innings after two significant collapses. Despite that recovery, South Africa’s bowling attack regained control.
Bowling figures: Ngidi, Bosch and Rabada
South Africa’s bowlers shared the wickets: three wickets for Ngidi, two for Bosch & Rabada. Those returns put the chasing side firmly on top and reduced the work required for the batters.
Markram's performance and quotes
South Africa batter and player of the match Aiden Markram reflected on the contest: "We bowled well and the powerplay was big thing for us to get out of nicely. We then had a run of momentum in our batting innings. " He added: "In the second innings, the wicket got good again. It was tacky earlier on so we got lucky with the toss. Our bowlers left us with less work to do. "
On his form he said: "My plan has been get into rhythm and not be so rigid and structured. The flow with my hands has helped but I just locked in today. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but it is nice when it comes off. " On captaincy he commented: "Captain or not, when you open the batting, it is your responsibility. The top three of us batters have made sure we get the team off to a good start. It came off today and hopefully we can continue. "
Tournament context and unbeaten run
Markram hit a four to seal the emphatic nine-wicket win for South Africa. South Africa continue their unbeaten run in the tournament — and they continue it in absolute style. South Africa have now won five of their six encounters with the West Indies at the T20 World Cup. The exception came in 2016, when West Indies' three-wicket victory set them on their way to a second title.
Observers noted that South Africa have been in control of this game and every game they have played so far. "What an unbeaten run for them. They have played classical, beautiful cricket, " read commentary on the contest.
Thank you so much for joining us for this tasty encounter between West Indies and South Africa. Make sure to take a read of Elizabeth Botcherby's report to relive South Africa's stunning nine-wicket victory.
Today's action isn't stopping here though. We'll be back at 13: 15 GMT to take you through the second game of the day, with India and Zimbabwe set to face off.
South Africa raced to victory with 23 balls to spare in a match that underlined their control in the competition and extended their run of strong performances.
