A masterclass from stand-in skipper Brandon King backed up with a clinical effort from the spinners secured a comfortable victory for the West Indies in the first T20I against the Proteas. Incidentally, this is the highest victory margin for WI against SA in this format of the game.

In spite of losing the early wicket of Johnson Charles, the hosts dominated the powerplay with several hits to the boundary from King. Soon after, Kyle Mayers got going with a few big shots of his own. The electric 79-run partnership finally came to an end when King mistimed a slower delivery off Andile Phehlukwayo.

This was the breakthrough that would bring about a collapse that would gradually slow down the Windies innings. Phehlukwayo and debutant death-overs specialist Ottneil Baartman both took three wickets apiece, and successfully stalled the back end. However, a handy unbeaten 32 from Roston Chase ensured that they’d reach a competitive score at halftime.

SA might’ve staged a solid comeback, but the variable bounce would make the chase a pretty daunting prospect. In addition, the pitch would only become more and more conducive for the slower bowlers.

Quinton de Kock came and went in the first over, and so did debutant Ryan Rickelton in the second over. Matthew Breetzke briefly flickered with a few boundaries, but his knock was cut short rather early as well.

Reeza Hendricks’ rich vein of form in T20Is would continue from where he left off, and he put together 42 runs alongside skipper Rassie van der Dussen. Unfortunately, the introduction of Gudakesh Motie would kick off a procession of the South African middle order.

The left-arm spinner removed van der Dussen and Wiaan Mulder in the 11th over, and Hendricks was soon running out of capable partners at the other end. The opener reached a well-made half-century, but the loss of wickets soon made the target all but unreachable.

At the end of the day, it was too much for a one-man show. Hendricks made a personal best of 87 from 51, but the absence of significant contributions from others rapidly crippled the chase. In addition to the fabulous effort from the spinners, the pacers came to the party as well. Express sensation Shamar Joseph claimed the wicket of Breetzke, young Matthew Forde cleaned up the tail, and Obed McCoy impressed with his variations.

The Windies will eagerly be looking forward to bagging the series, and heading into the T20WC with momentum. On the other hand, the Proteas will need to bounce back, and this will be a test of how well they can turn up when the stakes are high. Tune in for game 2 on Saturday at Kingston.

WI 175/8 in 20 overs (King 79, Mayers 34, Chase 32* – Baartman 4-0-26-3, Phehlukwayo 4-0-28-3)

SA 147 in 19.5 overs (Hendricks 87 – Motie 4-0-25-3, Forde 2.5-0-27-3)