West Indies and South Africa played a thrilling encounter at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, where the tourists emerged victorious by 7 runs and sealed the 3-match T20I series 2-1.
Put in to bat, West Indies posted a formidable total of 220/8 in their 20 overs, with Romario Shepherd leading the charge and playing an unbeaten knock of 44 runs from 22 balls. Other notable contributions came from Nicholas Pooran, who scored a quickfire 41 off 19 balls, and Brandon King, who chipped in with 36 off 25 deliveries.
In response, South Africa put up a valiant fight but fell short of 7 runs, finishing at 213/6 in their 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks played a brilliant knock of 83 off just 44 balls, which included 11 fours and 2 sixes, but it was not enough to secure a victory for South Africa. Rilee Rossouw also chipped in with 42 off 21 balls.
However, Alzarri Joseph‘s excellent bowling performance, supported by Jason Holder and Sheldon Cottrell, ensured the Caribbean’s grab the series. Joseph was, in fact, the standout performer for the Windies. He not only scored 14 runs off 9 balls with the bat but also picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul for 40 runs in his quota of 4 overs. The right-arm pacer was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
“We got a good total. Was up to the bowlers to defend it. It is always good to have the confidence of the captain. It has been a long tour. I enjoy a challenge. I enjoy leading the pack,” said Joseph after the match.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
☑️ have never lost a T20I series in 🇿🇦
☑️ wins his T20I as full time T20 captain“Itꦇ’s only licks when we touch down! 🎶 ( voice)ღ 🔥
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket)
First 𒁏SERIES WIN as CAPTAIN! Thanks to all involved, until next time South Africa 🇿🇦.
— Rovman Powell (@Ravipowell26)
Alzarri! 🫡🔥
— Shai Hope (@shaidhope)
Well done to Rovman Powell and his team. Outstanding win g✤iven difficult last few years💟 in this format.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
Fꦚive-wicket haul in Tests & Five-wicket haul iꦇn T20I in South Africa.
Alzarri Joseph, Take a bow. What a bowler.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Romario Shepherd becomes the first player t⛄o share multiple 50+ partnerships for 9th or lower wicket in T20Is♑.
72* with Akeal Hosein (v ENG, 2022)
59* with Alzarri Joseph (v SA, 2023)— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats)
Excellent b𒉰owling from the West Indies to close out the series and the match
Rare series victory. We salute and respect it.
Well done to Andre ꦕColey, Samuel Badree, Rovman and his tea❀m.
— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@Carib𝕴Cricket)
An emphatic series win fo🐲r the West Indies defeatin𒈔g a world class opposition.
In Rovman Powell’s first seri𝓀es as captain, this team has an instant, new identity of fearlessness which has made a huge differܫence.
This is a new West Indies 🙌
— Nikhil Uttamchandani (@NikUttam)
Head✅ ♎down. Pace up. Always spot on. Alzarri Joseph is such an underrated workhorse.
— Shafqat Shabbir (@Chefkat23)
NOT THIS TIME. Alzarri Joseph is the difference maker in the se🐲ries decider against South Africa.
West Indi﷽e📖s win the T20I series courtesy of Joseph’s five-wicket haul. 🔥
— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75)
//twitter.com/🔯on♓_drive23/status/1640804869400559616
Great win for the Windies. So happy for them. You can see what it means to them. Ian Bishop's voice has that sense of relief 💥
— Robin (@robin_rounder)
Yessssss!!!!! Congrats well bowled Alzarri Josep💯h. 2-1 series win!
— Nikita Miller (@NikitaM50994634)
Brilliant bowling…..Alzarri Joseph was under pressure & he performed so well…. good to see WI getting to winning ways….
— Vineet Chawla (@vineetrajouri)
