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West Indies clinch consolation T20I win over South Africa in rain-hit thriller

West Indies secured a consolation six-run victory via the DLS method in a rain-affected third T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg. Shimron Hetmyer's blistering 48 not out from 22 balls powered the West Indies to 114 for 3 in their 10 overs. South Africa's chase of a revised 125 target faltered despite a bright start, with Gudakesh Motie taking crucial wickets. The win gives West Indies momentum after two heavy defeats, though South Africa still claimed the series 2-1 ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Key Points: West Indies beat South Africa in 3rd T20I, series ends 2-1

  • Rain reduces match to 10 overs per side
  • Shimron Hetmyer's explosive 48* off 22 balls
  • South Africa's target adjusted to 125 via DLS
  • Gudakesh Motie's key double-wicket over
2 min read

West Indies clinch consolation win over South Africa in third T20I to finish series 1-2

West Indies win rain-affected 3rd T20I by 6 runs (DLS) vs South Africa. Hetmyer's 48* powers WI to 114/3. SA finish series 2-1 ahead of T20 World Cup.

"The left-hander smashed six sixes in his 48 not out off just 22 balls - ESPNcricinfo"

Johannesburg, February 1

West Indies signed off the T20I series with a consolation victory, edging South Africa by six runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a lightning-affected third match at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The contest, reduced to 10 overs per side after multiple weather interruptions, was played as part of South Africa's annual pink fixture aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer treatment, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Despite the stop-start nature of the game, a sell-out crowd witnessed an entertaining encounter ahead of next month's T20 World Cup.

Asked to bat first, West Indies posted 114 for 3 in their allotted 10 overs, powered by unbeaten knocks from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope. Hope set the tone early with crisp drives through the offside, while Johnson Charles departed for a duck. Hetmyer then took charge, striking the ball cleanly and repeatedly finding the boundary. The left-hander smashed six sixes in his 48 not out off just 22 balls, while Hope contributed 48 before falling late in the innings. Rovman Powell added late impetus as West Indies finished strongly.

Due to the revised conditions, South Africa's target was adjusted to 125. The hosts began brightly, with Quinton de Kock scoring freely in the opening over. However, regular wickets stalled their momentum. Aiden Markram fell early, and de Kock was dismissed for 28, giving Gudakesh Motie his first wicket of the series.

Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton briefly revived the chase with a quick partnership, but Motie struck again to remove both batters in the same over. South Africa were left needing 62 runs from the final four overs, keeping the contest finely balanced.

Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs attempted a late push, but West Indies held their nerve at the death. Shamar Joseph, playing his first match of the series, delivered a decisive final over, dismissing Smith with a yorker and conceding just enough to seal the result.

West Indies finished the series with a morale-boosting win after two heavy defeats, while South Africa still took positives from the series ahead of the T20 World Cup, finishing the series 2-1.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
A 10-over match is just a lottery, yaar. Hard to judge teams based on this. But full marks to the crowd for staying through the rain for the pink game cause. That's the real win.
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David E
Shamar Joseph with a brilliant final over under pressure. He's had a dream start to his international career. South Africa's middle order looks a bit fragile going into the World Cup.
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Aryan P
Good for cricket that WI won. We need all top teams strong for an exciting World Cup. But honestly, the DLS method in such a short game feels a bit unfair to the chasing team sometimes.
S
Sneha F
Hetmyer 48*(22) is just brutal hitting! Hope he carries this form. As an Indian fan, just hoping for no rain interruptions when our team plays the big matches in June 🙏
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Michael C
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on the batting but Motie's spell (2 wickets in one over) was the real turning point. Spinners winning matches in SA is a great sign for the subcontinent teams.

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