West Indies Triumph Over South Africa in T20 World Cup Warm-Up

The West Indies marked their final preparations for the T20 World Cup with a decisive 28-run victory over South Africa, their largest margin of victory against them batting first. Despite neither team fielding their first-choice XI, with some players resting or still at the IPL, the West Indies’ performance at Sabina Park, their first international match there in nearly two years, was impressive.

Local star Brandon King, stepping in as captain for Rovman Powell, led the charge with an aggressive 79 off 45 balls. King forged a 79-run second-wicket partnership with Kyle Mayers, who is not in the T20 World Cup squad. The West Indies established a strong foundation, reaching 64 for 1 in the Powerplay and 109 for 1 at the halfway mark. However, they stumbled in the later overs, losing 6 for 40 to finish at 175 for 8.

South Africa’s bowling showed promise, particularly debutant Ottneil Baartman, who took 3 for 26 despite an early injury scare. Andile Phehlukwayo also claimed three wickets in his four-over spell. South Africa’s top order faltered, reduced to 35 for 3 by the fifth over. Neither Quinton de Kock nor Ryan Rickelton managed to reach double figures, with Rickelton struggling to find the boundary. Although Reeza Hendricks scored a career-best 87 off 51 balls, his effort was too late. Gudakesh Motie (3 for 25) and Obed McCoy (2 for 15) ensured South Africa was dismissed for 147 in the final over.

King Brandon

On his home ground and in his debut as an international captain, Brandon King dominated South Africa early on, setting the tone for the West Indies. King took the majority of the strike in the first three overs, scoring 28 out of 18 balls with three fours and two sixes. He recorded his fastest T20I fifty off 26 balls and was closing in on his highest score with innovative movement at the crease. Phehlukwayo eventually dismissed King for 79, six runs shy of his T20I career best, at the end of the 11th over.

Middle Order Collapse

Following King’s strong start, the West Indies aimed for a total above 200 but their middle order failed to capitalize. None of the batsmen from Andre Fletcher down managed to reach double figures, with Matthew Forde’s 5 being the highest score outside the top four. Fletcher and Fabian Allen were dismissed by Phehlukwayo, while Akeal Hosein and Forde fell to Baartman’s variations. The West Indies lost 6 for 40 in the final third of their innings, ending on 175 for 8.

Forde’s Redemption

After a tough debut against England last December, where he conceded 54 runs without a wicket, Matthew Forde made a significant comeback. Despite conceding a boundary on his first ball, Forde dismissed de Kock on his next delivery. De Kock, who has struggled since his ODI retirement last November, managed only 4 runs, continuing his poor form.

Hendricks Shines Again

Reeza Hendricks, controversially left out of South Africa’s starting XI in the 2022 T20 World Cup, showcased his talent with a standout 87. This innings marked his 10th T20 half-century of 2024 and 49th of his career. Despite his valiant effort, Hendricks’ performance was not enough to secure a win for South Africa, as the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. His early timing and late power-hitting highlighted his ability, making a strong case for his inclusion in the upcoming tournament.