South Africa once again found themselves in a spot of bother. Eventually, they came out on top to book a place in the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup. The visitors chased down the rain-revised target of 123 against the West Indies in the final over. The hosts are out, which means there will be disappointment for fans at home.
At the fall of Heinrich Klaasen’s wicket, the tourists needed just 46 runs in nine overs. However, David Miller, the experienced batter, struggled to find form and could eke out a mere 4 off 14 deliveries. Tristan Stubbs, who had stitched a valuable stand of 35 with Heinrich Klaasen, was the next one to fall for 29. When Keshav Maharaj was also dislodged by Roston Chase, South Africa needed 13 off 10 deliveries.
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In the nick of time, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, the pace duo, cracked a four and a six to take South Africa home to another tense win in this World Cup. Chase was clearly the pick of the West Indies’ bowlers. Despite a wet ball, he returned with figures of 3 for 12 from three overs and was instrumental in triggering the collapse. On the other hand, Klaasen smacking Gudakesh Motie for 20 in an over boosted South Africa’s run-rate. That one over made the difference in the final analysis.
Major credit for South Africa’s success goes to the bowlers. Tabriaz Shamsi, the wrist spinner, led the attack admirably, giving away just 27 runs and scalping three victims. His victims included Kyle Mayers, Chase and the dangerous Sherfane Rutherford. Maharaj, his spin colleague, also chipped in by removing Powell. Jansen, Rabada and Nortje. The pace trio, also bowled with purpose to keep the runs down.
When South Africa came out to bat, they lost two wickets up front. At that juncture, there was a spell of rain. When play resumed, it was reduced to a 17-over-a-side contest. With South Africa collecting a few boundaries, the white ball perhaps got wet. It might have gone against the spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Motie. All that the West Indies camp do now is ponder. It is South Africa who have progressed to the semifinals.
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