The 18th Match of the 2021 T20 World Cup was the South Africa vs West Indies encounter played on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates.
This is the second match for both teams in the 2021 T20 World Cup, as they looked forward to registering their 1st win in the ongoing tournament. South Africa had lost to Australia in the Super 12 opener and the defending champions West Indies lost to England.
The Line-up for South Africa vs West Indies
BIG NEWS: Quinton de Kock has made himself unavailable to play today https://t.co/aiDEa3ZVG9 | #SAvWI | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2YgcBmorbM
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 26, 2021
South Africa won the toss & chose to bowl.
South Africa’s comfortable victory against West Indies by 8 wickets
1st Innings – West Indies puts 143 Runs on the board
It was a fine start for the West Indies as they were 43/0 after the powerplay overs. However, they lost their 1st Wicket as Evin Lewis departed scoring his half-century – ending his knock at 56 (off 35 balls), hitting a total of nine boundaries, as Keshav Maharaj took his wicket. West Indies were 73/1 (10.3 overs).
Keshav Maharaj struck again as Nicholas Pooran walked back after a cameo knock of 12 runs (off 7). Then, a struggling Lendl Simmons was bowled out by Kagiso Rabada, Simmons played a knock of 16 runs (off 35 balls). After this, West Indies were 89/3 (13.2 overs).
However, three wickets fell in quick succession for West Indies as Chris Gayle, Andre Russell & Shimron Hetmyer walked back to the pavilion.
Dwaine Pretorius bowled the final over of the innings, where he picked two wickets with West Indies Captain Kieron Pollard – 26 (off 20) being one. As a result, West Indies finished their innings at 143/8 (20 overs).
2nd Innings – South Africa’s Target is 144 Runs
The first wicket fell for South Africa, as an excellent fielding effort by Andre Russell led to him hitting directly at the stumps sending South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma back to the pavilion. Bavuma was well short from the line in the last ball of 1st over. As South Africa were 4/1 (0.6 overs).
Then a 57 run stand between Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen saved the innings. But Hendricks innings came to an end at 39 (off 30 balls) being caught by Shimron Hetmyer & bowled by Akeal Hosein. South Africa were 61/2 (9.2 overs).
However, it was the pair of Rassie van der Dussen & Aiden Markram that chased the target comfortably. Both remained unbeaten with – Rassie van der Dussen’s 43* (off 51) and Aiden Markram’s 51* (off 26). Thus, South Africa finished their innings at 144/2 (18.2 overs).
As a result, South Africa won the match by 8 Wickets. Hence registering their 1st win at the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Thus, the Player of the Match was given to Anrich Nortje for his bowling performance of 1/14.
South Africa are off the mark 🏃#T20WorldCup | #SAvWI | https://t.co/q4GrnhOJA6 pic.twitter.com/aOo7T5906r
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 26, 2021
