T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa Defeats West Indies to Enter the Semifinals

T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa Defeats West Indies to Enter the Semifinals

During the middle part of the game, West Indies made mistakes while trying to safeguard a low score.

South Africa (SA) beat the West Indies (WI) and paved their way to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup for the first time in ten years. The rain made their target smaller, from 136 runs to 123 runs in 17 overs. They commenced well but then they lost some wickets. Ultimately, their low-order batters assisted them win and reach the final four.

When did England start winning the game?

During the middle part of the game, West Indies made mistakes while trying to safeguard a low score. They didn’t score much, gave away too many boundaries, and bowled some wides. This made it easier for South Africa to win, even though they struggled a bit at the end.

West Indies:  

The Initial Overs - 47/2 (RR: 7.83, 4s/6s: 4/2)

South Africa began the game perfectly. In the first over, Shai Hope, who did fantastic in the last match, got knocked out without scoring any runs. Then, in the second over, Nicholas Pooran was caught out too. South Africa rapidly took control with two wickets in just seven balls. Aiden Markram made the ball spin a lot, making it difficult for the West Indies. But during the same early part of the game, West Indies fought back. Kyle Mayers, playing his first game, took some time to get comfortable, while Roston Chase started strong, hitting a six. Mayers also hit a six to finish the first part of the game.

The Middle Overs - 50/3 (RR: 5.55, 4s/6s - 2/2)

South Africa used spin bowlers on this pitch, but Chase and Mayers kept scoring uninterruptedly. Sometimes they hit big shots. Mayers hit a six off Makram, causing a crash between Rabada and Jansen. Chase also hit a six off Shamsi. But then Shamsi and Maharaj took the necessary wickets. Mayers was out first, then Powell was stumped. The score went from 86/2 to 94/5 rapidly when Rutherford edged a ball to slip.

The Death Overs - 38/3 (RR: 7.6, 4s/6s: 2/3)

Chase attained fifty runs, which was substantial for the West Indies. But he got out trying to hit the ball hard. South Africa used their fast bowlers for the last part of the game. Russell hit two big sixes, making fans happy. But later, he got out trying to get more chances to bat. This made it resistent for West Indies to score more runs. They ended up with 135 runs, which was less than they could have gotten if Russell hadn't gotten out. 

South Africa:  

The Initial Overs - 41/2 (RR: 8.2, 4s/6s - 7/0)

Quinton de Kock hit three boundaries off Akeal Hosein’s bowling earlier, frightening the West Indies fans. But things changed rapidly when Andre Russell dismissed both South African openers in the next over. Reeza Hendricks got knocked out without scoring, and De Kock was caught out. Then the rain interrupted the game and the target of South Africa was adjusted to 123 runs from 17 overs when the match resumed. South Africa benefited later because Akeal Hosein struggled with his bowling, giving away many runs.

The Middle Overs - 59/3 (RR: 7.37, 4s/6s: 6/1)

After Aiden Markram got out early in the game, South Africa’s chances got even better. The West Indies team made too many mistakes on a crucial night. Alzarri Joseph bowled a ball that went far off target, resulting inin extra runs for South Africa.

South Africa then hit three boundaries in a row, even though they weren't perfectly struck. Before that, Heinrich Klaasen hit a big six. These shots made it easier for South Africa to win. Joseph managed to get Klaasen out later, but then another West Indies player, Obed McCoy, didn't bowl well in his first over. Joseph and Russell then bowled two good overs, putting pressure on South Africa. David Miller got out during this tense period.

The Death Overs -  24/1 (RR: 7.57, 4s/6s: 1/1)

In a crucial World Cup match, South Africa faced a lot of pressure. They almost made mistakes that could have cost them the game. They needed 123 runs from 24 balls to win. Tristan Stubbs tried to hit a big shot but mistimed it, giving the West Indies a chance to come back. Then, Keshav Maharaj also got out trying a risky shot. But Kagiso Rabada hit a boundary that reduced the essential runs to just five from six balls. Finally, Marco Jansen hit a big six to win thre game in the last over.

Summary Of Scores - 

West Indies scored 135 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs (Roston Chase 52, Kyle Mayers 35). South Africa scored 124 runs for 7 wickets in 16.1 overs (Tristan Stubbs 29). South Africa won by 3 wickets with a target of 123 runs in 17 overs.