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South Africa made a commanding start to their T20I series against West Indies, cruising to a nine-wicket victory in the opening match at Boland Park, Paarl, on Tuesday. A composed yet explosive unbeaten knock from captain Aiden Markram anchored the chase as the hosts overhauled a target of 174 with more than two overs to spare.
The emphatic win handed South Africa an early 1-0 lead in the three-match series and underlined their batting depth and bowling discipline at home.
West Indies post competitive total after middle-order resistance
Batting first after South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl, West Indies posted 173 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was built around a fluent knock from Shimron Hetmyer, who top-scored with a stylish 48 off 32 balls, striking 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Early momentum came from Brandon King, who smashed a quick 27 off 16 deliveries, but regular wickets prevented the visitors from fully capitalising on the start. Contributions from Roston Chase (22) and Rovman Powell (29 not out) helped West Indies reach a competitive total on a good batting surface.
South Africa’s bowlers delivered a controlled performance, with spin playing a key role in the middle overs. George Linde was the standout, picking up three crucial wickets to halt West Indies’ momentum.
Player of the Match: George Linde
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Keshav Maharaj also chipped in with two scalps, while Corbin Bosch claimed important breakthroughs at the top.
Aiden Markram, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Ryan Rickelton seal record win for South Africa
South Africa’s response began with intent as young opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius took the attack to the bowlers. Pretorius struck a confident 44 off 28 balls, adding a brisk 83-run opening partnership with Markram that put the hosts firmly in control during the powerplay.
Although Pretorius fell attempting to accelerate, the damage had already been done, leaving South Africa well ahead of the required run rate.
From there, Markram combined seamlessly with wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton to guide South Africa home without further trouble. The pair added an unbroken 93-run stand, calmly dismantling the West Indies bowling attack.
Markram was in imperious touch, finishing unbeaten on 86 off just 47 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours and three sixes. Rickelton provided excellent support with a fluent 40 not out from 32 deliveries, ensuring there were no late hiccups.
South Africa reached 176 for 1 in just 17.5 overs, marking their largest T20I win against West Indies in terms of wickets.
South Africa thrash West Indies by 9 wickets
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