A gutsy bowling performance from the Proteas saw them take a 2-1 lead with a 1-run win in the 3rd T20I against the Windies.
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A determined comeback with the ball has propelled South Africa ahead in this series, as a narrow 1-run victory confirmed a 2-1 advantage.
It looked like South Africa had their backs against the wall, as Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons added 55 runs together, but the introduction of spin brought about the inroads, just like last game. George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi dismissed both openers.
The hosts tried something different by promoting Jason Holder to No 3, and Shimron Hetmyer struck a couple of lusty blows. However, neither of them could push on and bat through the innings, as Lungi Ngidi deceived Holder with a slower delivery and Shamsi had Hetmyer edging a cut to backward point.
The game still very much was in the balance given the assembly line of Windies power hitters. Kagiso Rabada’s return spelt the end of skipper Kieron Pollard’s stay, as a searing yorker dislodged his stumps. The seesaw affair continued when Andre Russell hit two sixes off Anrich Nortje, but a clutch catch in the deep from Aiden Markram put the Proteas’ noses ahead once again.
Nicholas Pooran struggled for timing and scratched around for a 28-ball 27, but just when he began to open up, Nortje trapped him lbw in the penultimate over. With 15 to defend in the final over, Rabada and South Africa were in command, even though Fabian Allen was batting.
Rabada bowled three yorkers that nutmegged Allen and he only hit one boundary in the first 5 deliveries. The last ball may have gone for six but the bowlers did their job to great effect on what was a pulsating, thrilling, and captivating day of T20 cricket.
Shamsi’s 4-over spell was the catalyst for South Africa, as his variations kept a tight lid on the hosts’ scoring rate. Throughout the series so far, he’s conceded just 59 runs in 12 overs – impressively, a shade under 5 an over.
There still are question marks lingering over the Proteas’ middle order, and this win definitely was a strong bowling effort bailing out what was a mildly competitive total. The Windies still are very much in the thick of things, with two games remaining.
For South Africa, it’ll all be about closing out the series next game, but you can’t rule out a comeback from a team that’s got a reputation as world-beaters.
SA 167/8 in 20 overs
WI 166/7 in 20 overs (Lewis, Pooran 27, Russell 25 – Shamsi 4-0-13-2, Nortje 4-0-29-2)
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
