The West Indies cruised to an 8-wicket win in the first T20I against South Africa with 5 overs to spare.
The Proteas only managed to post 160-6, with Rassie van der Dussen’s 56 off 38 balls and 37 of 24 balls from Quinton de Kock the only real threat posed by the visitors.
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The West Indies have inflicted a resounding defeat, cruising to an 8-wicket victory. The target of 161 was chased down in just 15 overs.
Evin Lewis made a statement right from the get-go, hitting a six off the first ball he faced. That would set the tone for how the rest of the chase went. The momentum Lewis created fueled the intent from the other batters.
Andre Fletcher provided excellent support at the top with a 19-ball 30.
Chris Gayle came in at first drop, and even though he had a rather subdued start, the introduction of part-time offspin in Reeza Hendricks came at the perfect time for him to find his range. Gayle hit sixes off Hendricks’ first two deliveries, and Lewis carried on his merry ways, reaching 71 from just 35 balls. Andre Russell helped polish off the innings with a cameo 23 of his own.
In total, the West Indies hit 15 sixes in what was an aggressive display of intent and ruthlessness. Apart from Anrich Nortje, each of the Proteas bowlers were at the receiving end of brutal hitting. A well-deserved win makes it 1-0 for the Windies after the first game.
SA 160/6 in 20 overs
WI 161/2 in 15 overs (Lewis 71, Gayle 32* – Shamsi 4-0-27-1)
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
