West Indies vs South Africa 2nd T20I: Highlights from Trinidad

Right then, that is it from this game and West Indies have sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in this three-match T20I series. South Africa still have pride to play for and 2-1 will sound much better than 3-0, so, expect some fireworks in the final game as well. The third T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, 27 August at 7 pm GMT but you can join us about an hour in advance for the build-up. Cheers!

Rovman Powell, the captain of the West Indies says that it brings the best out of the boys when they are put under pressure. Says that the T20 format can change really fast. Says they were under pressure when South Africa was going strong in the powerplay. Mentions that he had a chat with the guys after the fielding restrictions got lifted and told them to breathe. On being asked about Shepherd, he says when you give the guys more opportunities, and back them, they do well. Also mentions Brandon King and tells that he is their number one opener, but he is not there. Says Alick Athanaze is a talented lad and it feels exciting to see him perform well. Ends up appreciating the crowd and says that it has become a regular thing in Trinidad to get such lovely support and also says they are forever grateful to the people of Trinidad.

Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa says that somewhere in the middle overs with the bat is where they lost the game and in comparison to the last game, they bowled much better throughout different phases of the game and hopefully, they can tweak things up. On Lizaad Williams, he says he is a fierce competitor and puts in a lot of work behind the scenes and is happy that he got a game here. Mentions that it is tough to point a finger at the youngsters and it just goes on to show how much experience matters and will look to work behind the scenes. Finishes off by saying that they will try to be competitive in the last game and make the most of it.

Romario Shepherd is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his spectacular bowling figures (4-0-15-3). He begins by saying that he is very pleased and he executed his plans well. Adds that after being hit for a plenty in the previous game, he had to make a comeback and planned to take ball by ball. About his role in the team, he says the captain expects him to hit the line of the stumps constantly as much as possible.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Aiden Markram opted to put West Indies into bat on a used surface and for the first 10 overs or so, it looked like the pitch for pristine for batting. South Africa did pick up wickets but West Indies were going along really nicely thanks their opening pair of Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope. The Proteas pegged things back for a few overs and got into the middle order of the opposition. However, a couple of fiery 30s from Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford propelled West Indies to almost 180 runs. For South Africa, it was Lizaad Williams who came into the side for this game and picked up 3 wickets and Patrick Kruger showed some real partnership-breaking abilities. In reply, the visitors looked in the driver's seat from the get-go but the hosts never stopped believing and ended up winning by 30 runs.

South Africa will be kicking themselves as they have no one else to blame and they haven't completely crumbled under pressure. They were flying at 63/0 in 4.3 overs before the first wicket fell and that triggered a mini collapse and they crumbled to 86/3 in 7.2 overs, still in an excellent position to level the series. Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen put on a steady stand worth 43 runs before Stubbs got out but neither of those two could accelerate once things were stable. The proteas simply kept losing wickets and ended up well short of what should have been a formality of a target after that burst from the openers.

Now, that is how you step up as a bowling unit and after being bruised and battered in the first 5 overs, the Windies bowlers have made an exceptional comeback. Shamar Joseph is already a star and he was the one who started the fightback for his side by dismissing Ryan Rickelton and then Romario Shepherd followed it up with a couple of quickfire wickets of his own. The game was still slipping away from the home side when Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie stood up and broke the back of the middle order. After this, Shepherd and Joseph came back in and ripped through the South African tail and incidentally, a single wicket fell in each of the final seven overs of the chase, never seen that before.

WEST INDIES HAVE SEALED THE SERIES! A stellar comeback in the run chase from the home side and they continue their bilateral dominance in this format over the Proteas in the last couple of years or so. Not only that but West Indies now better their overall head-to-head against South Africa to 13-12.

19.4: Matthew Forde to Ottneil Baartman, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Done and dusted! The West Indies go 2-0 and seal the series with a spectacular victory at Tarouba! Matthew Forde executes another well-directed yorker attacking the off peg at 129 kph. Ottneil Baartman clears his front leg to make some room for himself to hit it through the off side, but fails to bring his bat down in time. The ball sneaks underneath his bat and disturbs the furniture in a flash. This is the third consecutive T20I series victory for the West Indies over South Africa now. The West Indian bowling unit appeared massively improved from the previous game and left the Proteas' batters reeling.

19.3: Matthew Forde to Ottneil Baartman, Forde bowls it full and outside off. Baartman swings and misses to the keeper.

19.2: Matthew Forde to Kwena Maphaka, Just in! Another attempted yorker around off, Kwena Maphaka jams it past the bowler and shoots off for a quick single. Ottneil Baartman however, sees the ball and not his partner who is already more than halfway through. He eventually runs to get to the other end as the fielder at mid on is quick onto the ball and rocket arms, and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. However, the replays show that Ottneil Baartman is just home in time. NOT OUT.

19.1: Matthew Forde to Ottneil Baartman, Short and dug into the pitch, angling into the batter. Ottneil Baartman swivels and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

18.6: Shamar Joseph to Ottneil Baartman, Nails in a perfect yorker, angling into the batter. Baartman is beaten for pace as he misses the flick onto the pads. They do cross for a leg bye as the ball rolls to the fine leg region. South Africa need 33 more to win from the last over. They needed 60 from the last eight overs or so, but they have dramatically slipped once again after being in control.

18.5: Shamar Joseph to Ottneil Baartman, Full and outside off. Baartman goes for a drive without any foot movement and gets beaten on the outside edge. 

Ottneil Baartman is the last man in for South Africa.

18.4: Shamar Joseph to Lizaad Williams, OUT! LBW! A huge confident appeal for LBW and the umpire raises the finger! Lizaad Williams though reviews it. Shamar Joseph charges in from around the stumps and bowls a slower one, straight and fractionally full around middle and off, Lizaad Williams covers the line by shuffling a bit outside off and looks to work it across to the leg side but plays it down the wrong line. Ends up getting trapped in front. Ball Tracking comes up with three reds and these are the best figures for Shamar Joseph in T20Is.

18.3: Shamar Joseph to Kwena Maphaka, A low full toss outside off. Maphaka clears his front leg for a drive and thumps it to the right of diving cover fielder for a run.

18.2: Shamar Joseph to Kwena Maphaka, Slows it up on a short length, angling back into the batter. Maphaka is early on the pull, and misses to get any bat on it.

18.1: Shamar Joseph to Kwena Maphaka, Good length and angling back into the leg stump Kwena Maphaka is cramped for room and blocks it back to the bowler.

17.6: Romario Shepherd to Lizaad Williams, Excellent bowling this! Perfect execution from Shepherd! Charges in from around the stumps and spears in a wide full toss. Lizaad Williams expands his arms for a drive but fails to connect as the ball dips a bit as well.

17.5: Romario Shepherd to Kwena Maphaka, An attemped yorker outside the off stump. Kwena Maphaka reaches for it and drives by slicing it to deep cover for a single.

17.4: Romario Shepherd to Kwena Maphaka, A low full toss outside off. Kwena Maphaka swings and misses to the keeper. 

17.3: Romario Shepherd to Kwena Maphaka, A low full toss outside the off stump, and there to be hit. Maphaka goes for the drive and misses to the keeper.

Kwena Maphaka walks out to bat now.

17.2: Romario Shepherd to Patrick Kruger, OUT! TAKEN! Romario Shepherd gets his third wicket and this has been a brave piece of bowling from this young lad! Full and outside the off stump, Patrick Kruger bends a bit low is down on one knee, and looks to open the bat face for a lofted shot, but ends up slicing it off the toe end aerially straight to deep cover. Shai Hope patrolling the deep cover region makes no mistake and takes a brilliant catch. Patrick Kruger, the recognized batter departs and the West Indies are well and truly in the dominating position now.

17.1: Romario Shepherd to Patrick Kruger, Slower, short ball angling back into the batter. Patrick Kruger swivels to pull, missing it onto the body.

16.6: Shamar Joseph to Bjorn Fortuin, OUT! BULL'S EYE! What a wonderful and smart set up from Shamar Joseph! He kept bowling outside off and bowled this one right back into the batter. Shamar Joseph nails a pinpoint yorker right in front of the base of the middle stump with an upright seam position. Bjorn Fortuin backs away to stay leg side of the ball and is months late to bring his bat down in time. The ball breaks into the stumps and Shamar Joseph's joy knows no bounds. This is a remarkable comeback from the Windies. 

Lizaad Williams is in next.

16.6: Shamar Joseph to Bjorn Fortuin, WIDE! Joseph makes an error now. Slides it way outside off, beyond the tramline. Bjorn Fortuin leaves and the umpire calls for a wide.

16.5: Shamar Joseph to Patrick Kruger, Shamar Joseph keeps bowling it outside off, this time the length is much fuller, Patrick Kruger bends low and crouches before squeezing it through cover-point for a single.

16.4: Shamar Joseph to Bjorn Fortuin, Hits the hard length does Joseph and slows it up, around off, Bjorn Fortuin gets no timing at all and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

16.3: Shamar Joseph to Patrick Kruger, Overpitched outside off, Patrick Kruger shovels it out to covers and rapidly crosses over for a single.

16.2: Shamar Joseph to Bjorn Fortuin, On the back of a length on the off stump. Bjorn Fortuin punches it to mid off for a quick run to get off the mark.

16.1: Shamar Joseph to Patrick Kruger, Good length outside the off stump. Kruger punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Bjorn Fortuin walks in at number 8.

15.6: Akeal Hosein to Rassie van der Dussen, OUT! TAKEN! Akeal Hosein with that much-needed breakthrough. The two spinners in tandem have run through the South African middle order. Rassie van der Dussen was really itching to get off the blocks but holes out eventually. Akeal Hosein provides more revolutions by tossing it, full and on the middle and leg. Rassie van der Dussen is lured into the shot as he sees the ball into his hitting zone and goes through the shot a bit early. Hence, he mistimes and also loses his shape. Airs the ball straight towards Shamar Joseph at deep mid-wicket. The West Indies have clawed their way back into this contest now. 

15.5: Akeal Hosein to Patrick Kruger, Dragged length at off from Hosein, Patrick Kruger cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

15.4: Akeal Hosein to Rassie van der Dussen, Length again, on the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen drags it to long on for a single.

15.3: Akeal Hosein to Rassie van der Dussen, Length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen cuts it to extra cover.

15.2: Akeal Hosein to Patrick Kruger, A better throw there could have been curtains for Rassie van der Dussen! Good length just outside off, Patrick Kruger rocks back and cuts it to short cover and shoots off for a quick single. Roston Chase picks the ball but throws it wayward to the right of the keeper.

15.1: Akeal Hosein to Patrick Kruger, Good length on the leg stump. Kruger goes for the back foot punch, and gets an inside edge to short fine leg.

14.6: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, A dot to end and South Africa now need 45 runs from the final 5 overs. Quick and short, into the pitch and wide of the off stump, VVD makes room to cut but ends up just jamming it towards the cover fielder.

14.5: Gudakesh Motie to Patrick Kruger, Fired in a bit into the legs, Patrick Kruger tucks it away in front of square leg for a single.

Patrick Kruger is in at number 7. South Africa need 46 more runs to win off 32 deliveries remaining.

14.4: Gudakesh Motie to Donovan Ferreira, OUT! STUMPED! The tide is turning in favor of the home side as South Africa now lose half their side. Cleverly bowled by Gudakesh Motie as he drags the length back a bit and slows it up, allowing the ball to grip the deck. This is bowled around middle and turns away sharply. Donovan Ferreira looks to come down the pitch but gets nowhere near the pitch of the ball and ends up walking past it. Nicholas Pooran whips off the bails and it is an easy stumping for him. Motie does get rewarded for a tidy spell of bowling here.

14.3: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Tossed up full at 90.2 kph and following the batter down leg, Rassie van der Dussen only manages to nudge it around the corner for a single.

14.2: Gudakesh Motie to Donovan Ferreira, Just marginally short and wide of the off stump, Donovan Ferreira stays back and uses quick hands to cut it away towards deep point for one.

14.1: Gudakesh Motie to Donovan Ferreira, Easy double there! Bowled quite full and at middle, Donovan Ferreira stays put and flicks the ball away through mid-wicket for a brace.

13.6: Akeal Hosein to Donovan Ferreira, On a dragged length on middle, sliding back in, Donovan Ferreira pushes it away through wide mid on and picks up a single.

Donovan Ferreira is in at number 6 for South Africa.

13.5: Akeal Hosein to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! CAUGHT! That could be massive in the context of the game and Akeal Hosein has broken a 42-run stand here! Hosein darts the ball in a bit, full and around off but this one just grips slightly in the surface. Tristan Stubbs hangs deep and clears the front leg looking to go across the line and against the turn but ends up skewing the ball high towards long off. The substitute fielder there, Fabian Allen takes a watchful catch just inside the ropes moments after coming onto the field. Stubbs goes for 28 (24) and South Africa are now 4 down.

13.4: Akeal Hosein to Tristan Stubbs, Gets a bit of hand on it! Pushed through quicker and on a fullish length around off, Tristan Stubbs opts to go on the back foot but gets hurried and gets an outside edge that rolls fine of short third. The fielder there dives across and saves a couple of runs for his side.

Halt! Sherfane Rutherford is seen limping and holding his left leg. Oh, he is walking off the field now, hopefully, not a serious issue with his hamstring. Meanwhile, Rovman Powell walks to Akeal Hosein and they do have a detailed strategic chat about the field setting. Fabian Allen has taken the field for Rutherford as the substitute fielder. 

13.3: Akeal Hosein to Rassie van der Dussen, Keeps the length full and drifts it onto middle, VVD clips it away through square leg and turns the strike over.

13.2: Akeal Hosein to Rassie van der Dussen, Nice and full around off, sliding straight on and Rassie van der Dussen drives it straight to extra cover.

13.1: Akeal Hosein to Tristan Stubbs, Akeal Hosein starts the new spell from around the stumps and slides one straight into the pads, Tristan Stubbs flicks it away past square leg for a single.

12.6: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Fractionally short and around off, played off the back foot through covers for a single by Stubbs. South Africa now need 55 runs in 42 balls.

12.5: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Tristan Stubbs is early to shuffle a bit to the off side and Gudakesh Motie slows it up on the stumps, Stubbs blocks it out with soft hands.

12.4: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Excellent running yet again from these two. Good length on the stumps, Tristan Stubbs works it away nicely into the gap at mid-wicket and picks up a couple of quick runs.

12.3: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Bowled well short this time and outside off, Rassie van der Dussen backs away before cutting the ball towards sweeper cover for one more.

12.2: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Drags the length right back bowling it outside off, Tristan Stubbs goes back and across and punches it wide of cover for just a single.

12.1: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, SIX! BANG! No boundaries in the last three overs and Tristan Stubbs has had enough. Motie floats the ball up in the slot around off, Stubbs gets down on one knee and makes some room before clobbering the ball over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

A short hydration break for the players as it is really hot and humid out there. South Africa need 66 from 48 balls, but they haven't hit a boundary since the last three overs and are desperately looking to break free now. Gudakesh Motie (2-0-11-0) to continue his spell.

11.6: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, A slower bumper now at under 100 kph, around off and Tristan Stubbs looks to pull it away. The ball though shoots off the deck and the ball gets miscued wide of the keeper for a single.

11.5: Romario Shepherd to Rassie van der Dussen, Slower one, pitched up around off, VVD gets on the front foot and pushes it down to long off for one more.

11.4: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, Hard length over off, Tristan Stubbs has a swipe across the line and gets it to deep backward square leg for a single.

11.3: Romario Shepherd to Rassie van der Dussen, That is wonderful running and the batters even pinch the overthrow. Back of a length and outside off, Rassie van der Dussen plays it off the back foot and wide of point for a couple of quick runs. The throw at the keeper's end is a bit wide and Nicholas Pooran casually doesn't collect the ball which allows the batters to get the third run as well.

11.2: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, Short ball over middle, slower too, Tristan Stubbs with a controlled pull shot towards deep square leg for one.

11.1: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, NOT OUT! Not quite a spectacular catch in the end from Rovman Powell but he does save a certain boundary. This is banged in a bit short and wide by Romario Shepherd, Tristan Stubbs gets up on his toes and looks to hammer it down through covers. Stubbs doesn't quite keep the shot down and Powell dives low to his right to grab it with both hands. The replays show that there is some contact with the ground and the fingers aren't completely underneath.

Has Powell taken it cleanly? The on-field umpires discuss for a bit and summon the TV umpire to check for a fair catch. The side-on replay comes up and the TV umpire checks up with the zoomer on Powell's hands to have a closer look, and deems that the ball has made some contact with the ground before settling in Powell's hands. NOT OUT pops up on the giant screen.

10.6: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller in length and outside off, Stubbs comes forward and pushes the ball through the cover region for just one more. Only 3 runs from that over.

10.5: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, This one is angled onto the pads, VVD misses the flick and the ball rolls off his pads wide of short fine leg and the batters collect a leg bye.

10.4: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Quicker and flatter, Rassie van der Dussen fails to get this one through the off side once again and hits it straight to covers.

10.3: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Oh, that could have been a huge moment in the game! Nagging length, fired in wide of the off stump, Rassie van der Dussen looks to cut off the back foot but chops it down to backward point and Tristan Stubbs starts to run. VVD sends him back and Stubbs manages to scamper back to safety.

10.2: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller in length and at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs gets on the front foot and plays it down to long on for one.

10.1: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Fired in on a length and outside off at 95.3 kph, Tristan Stubbs shuffles and then goes back before hitting it on the bounce towards cover.

9.6: Matthew Forde to Tristan Stubbs, Matthew Forde takes all the pace off from this one, and lands it on a length around the off stump. Tristan Stubbs flicks it off his pads towards mid-wicket for a single.

9.5: Matthew Forde to Rassie van der Dussen, Pitched up on fifth stump line, Rassie van der Dussen leans across and whips it to long on for a single.

9.4: Matthew Forde to Rassie van der Dussen, Length ball on off, Rassie van der Dussen leans ahead and plays it back at the bowler.

9.3: Matthew Forde to Rassie van der Dussen, Length ball around leg stump Rassie van der Dussen hits it to deep backward square leg for a brace.

9.2: Matthew Forde to Tristan Stubbs, Slow again, full in length angling on the pads, Tristan Stubbs clips it nicely with soft hands and along the ground through square leg for a quick single. 100 up for the Proteas and they now need 80 runs to win off 64 balls.

9.1: Matthew Forde to Rassie van der Dussen, Slower one and a short ball outside off. at just 104.5 kph. Rassie van der Dussen pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Matthew Forde is brought back into the attack. He went for 17 runs in his first over.

8.6: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, FOUR! Nicely executed! Well outside off, full in length, Tristan Stubbs shuffles outside off and sits down on his knees. Paddles it through the short fine region for a boundary.

8.5: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Just in! Full outside off. Rassie van der Dussen drives it straight to point for a quick single. He really had to hurry there as the throw came in pretty quickly.

8.4: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Tossed up on the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen dances down the track and flicks it aerially wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

8.3: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Full and tossed up at the middle stump. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and defends it straight back at the bowler.

8.2: Gudakesh Motie to Tristan Stubbs, Full in length and at the pads. Stubbs makes room on the leg side and drives it down to mid on for a quick single.

8.1: Gudakesh Motie to Rassie van der Dussen, Full and tossed up at the leg stump. Rassie van der Dussen clips it to square leg for a single. 

Gudakesh Motie to have a bowl now for the first time in this game.

7.6: Romario Shepherd to Rassie van der Dussen, NOT OUT! An appeal for LBW but turned down! Back of a length ball outside off. It nips back in and keeps a little low on the bounce. Rassie van der Dussen is cramped for room as he looks to clip it to mid-wicket but misses and gets hit on the front pad. Fair delivery to begin with. UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking however shows the projection of the ball going over the stumps. Rassie van der Dussen survives a scare early on.

A bit of a delayed appeal first up but Romario Shepherd seems eager for the LBW call and doesn't get it. Eventually, Rovman Powell does take the review and the third umpire is once again called into action. Clearly there's no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the stumps, quite comfortably as well and the onfield call of NOT OUT stands. Rassie van der Dussen survives and West Indies are now out of reviews, poor call that one. 

7.5: Romario Shepherd to Rassie van der Dussen, Fuller length around off. Rassie van der Dussen clips it to mid-wicket. It was a bit aerial for a moment and lands just ahead of the fielder.

7.4: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball on the pads. Stubbs tucks it away to mid-wicket for a single.

7.3: Romario Shepherd to Rassie van der Dussen, Off the mark is Rassie van der Dussen! Full outside off. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and looks to defend it to mid off but slices it to cover-point for a single.

Rassie van der Dussen is the new batter in.

7.2: Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram, OUT! LBW! An appeal for LBW and given! Aiden Markram though reviews it and challenges the on-field decision! Romario Shepherd hurls it closer to the body from over the wickets, and lands it on the good length, nipping back in a long way into the batter. Aiden Markram is totally left searching for room and attempts to swipe it across the line, and ends up getting rapped on the pads. UltraEdge shows nothing and the Ball Tracking comes up with the ball clipping the leg stump on the umpire's call. The on-field decision stays. South Africa won't lose a review but they do lose their skipper Aiden Markram. West Indies right back into the contest with this wicket. Romario Shepherd gets his second scalp. South Africa have now slipped to 86/3.

7.1: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball around middle and leg. this is worked away to deep mid-wicket for a single by Stubbs.

6.6: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, FOUR! All the work in the deep goes in vain! Pitched up, Aiden Markram firmly drives it off the front foot through the covers. Powell, in the deep, puts in a slide and even manages to intercept the ball but eventually contacts the boundary rope with the momentum of the slide with his ball in hand. 

6.5: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, SIX! Oh, what a powerful hit this is from Markram! Shamar Joseph pitches it slightly outside off on a fractionally fuller length, Aiden Markram stays deep inside the crease and swings his bat vertically and deposits it behind the deep mid-wicket fence for a six. That looked absolutely effortless from Markram. 

6.4: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, Pace off, length ball, at off, Aiden Markram waits for the ball to arrive and eases it with a flat bat towards the mid-wicket region and runs a quick double.

6.3: Shamar Joseph to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball angling at the leg stump from the middle, Tristan Stubbs flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

6.2: Shamar Joseph to Tristan Stubbs, Nagging length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs rides on the bounce and taps it to short third and straightaway denies for the single.

6.1: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, Back of a length angling down the leg. Markram flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

5.6: Romario Shepherd to Tristan Stubbs, NOT OUT! An appeal for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head in denial! Length-delivery that stays relatively low on the bounce, outside off, Tristan Stubbs gets on his toes as he plays for the bounce. The ball, however, lacks the bounce and stays low and passes underneath the bat of Stubbs. UltraEdge shows no murmur and Stubbs can breathe a sigh of relief.

Reviewed! Just as the ball went into Pooran's gloves, he was up in celebration but the umpire remained unmoved and Pooran was calling for a review. The bowler, Romario Shepherd is pretty sure as well that there is a nick on it from Tristan Stubbs and Rovman Powell does go upstairs. The third umpire checks the replays but UltraEdge confirms that there is no bat involved and it will stay NOT OUT. A review lost for the Windies as well and not quite sure what Pooran and Shepherd heard.

The man in form, Tristan Stubbs walks in to bat at number 4.

5.5: Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Romario Shepherd strikes in the final over of the powerplay and South Africa have now lost both their openers in a quick succession! Romario Shepherd stays over the pegs and lands it well outside off, on a fullish length. Reeza Hendricks covers the stumps by going back and across. He tries to slash it through the covers but plays it way away from his body with minimal footwork, and ends up inside edging it into the stumps. A blistering knock from Reeza Hendricks comes to an end. Shepherd, bowling the most difficult over of the powerplay, strikes gold.

5.4: Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram, A shade fuller and angling on middle and leg, Aiden Markram tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

5.3: Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Good length, on the top of the middle, Reeza Hendricks swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

5.2: Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram, Length ball around middle and leg stump at 134.3 kph. Markram tucks it away to mid-wicket for a single.

5.1: Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Whoa, that almost stopped into the surface! Romario Shepherd starts over the stumps, bangs it on that in-between length at off, Reeza Hendricks gets behind the line and is early into his shot and ends up chipping it off the leading edge to short cover for a single.

A streak of changes from West Indies now. Romario Shepherd has been introduced into the attack.

4.6: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, Bowled back of a length and outside off, Aiden Markram stands upright and looks to hit it away but plays it straight to cover-point.

4.5: Shamar Joseph to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Wow, what a shot to get off the mark on the first ball as well. Pitched up on the stumps, Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and plays a eye-catching straight drive, right off the middle of the bat and gets it past the diving fielder at mid on for a boundary.

Aiden Markram walks in at number 3. A quick drinks for Hendricks who is cruising at an incredible strike rate at the moment. With third and fine leg up, Shamar Joseph continues...

4.4: Shamar Joseph to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! CAUGHT! Matthew Forde just about manages to hang on and West Indies finally manage to break this opening stand. Shamar Joseph goes pace off and bowls the off cutter, short and over leg stump. Ryan Rickelton looks to take it on but gets hurried a bit off the deck and ends up pulling it flat and behind square. The ball travels quickly to deep backward square leg where Forde gets on his knees and takes a fine low catch. End of a quickfire 63-run stand between Rickelton and Hendricks.

4.3: Shamar Joseph to Ryan Rickelton, Hits the deck hard and bowls it over middle, Ryan Rickelton gets across a bit and just blocks it back on the deck.

4.2: Shamar Joseph to Ryan Rickelton, SIX! Plenty of open spaces on the leg side but it doesn't matter as that's gone all the way. Pitched up, quite full and on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton just backs away and picks it up, lofting it high and just over wide long on for a biggie.

4.1: Shamar Joseph to Ryan Rickelton, Starts off on a fuller length and around off stump, Ryan Rickelton leans ahead and plays it towards cover.

Shamar Joseph has been summoned for the first time to stop the leak of runs. He replaces Akeal Hosein.

3.6: Roston Chase to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! Put away with disdain and 23 come off that over. Poor bowling from Roston Chase as he serves a half-volley down the leg side, Hendricks sits down and swats the sweep away well behind square leg for four more runs.

3.5: Roston Chase to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! Just over! Quicker one, darted in around off, Reeza Hendricks looks to stay leg side of the ball and hammers it over mid off but gets it flat and just out of reach of a scampering Gudakesh Motie to find the fence yet again.

3.4: Roston Chase to Reeza Hendricks, Good length on the pads, Reeza Hendricks tucks it away into the gap at mid-wicket and picks up a couple of more runs.

3.3: Roston Chase to Reeza Hendricks, SIX! Gets the easy ball now to put away and makes no mistake. Too short and around off, Reeza Hendricks rocks back, making some room and flat-bats the pull over deep mid-wicket for another six.

3.2: Roston Chase to Reeza Hendricks, SIX! BANG! Just a classy-looking shot from Reeza Hendricks and when he is in full flow, it is just a treat to the eyes. Tossed up full and around off, Hendricks leans on but adjusts his hips and just wristfully lifts it over long off for a biggie.

3.1: Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton, Starts off with a quicker delivery at 97.8 kph and darts it in full at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton nudges it in front of mid on before scampering through for a quick single.

Rovman Powell has now tossed the ball to Roston Chase. He replaces Matthew Forde.

2.6: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, Floated up, on a length and on the pads, Rickelton turns it off his pads past square leg for one.

2.5: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, Top stop from Alick Athanaze, very athletic. On the shorter side again, Ryan Rickelton presses back and makes some room before punching it wide of covers but Athanaze makes a fine diving stop.

2.4: Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Good fielding initially and there's a slight hesitation between the batters as well but no harm is done. Dropped short and outside off, Reeza Hendricks rocks back to cut but the fielder at covers dives to his left and makes half a stop. The batters stutter before eventually completing the single.

2.3: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, Bowled quicker and flatter at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton just eases it on the front foot and through mid on for a single.

2.2: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, SIX! Ryan Rickelton now opens his arms and goes big. Akeal Hosein flights this one up and angles it into the stumps, Rickelton backs away and fetches the ball before keeping his balance and dispatching it over long on for a biggie.

2.1: Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Swung away but just for a single! Short ball around off, this one angles in quickly with the arm, Reeza Hendricks is waiting on the back foot for it but miscues the pull towards deep square leg for a run.

1.6: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, A single to end but 17 runs come off that over and the Proteas are off to a flying start without taking any risks. The length is dropped a bit shorter over the stumps, Hendricks plays it off the back foot past mid-wicket and picks up a run.

1.5: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! Reeza Hendricks is finding gaps in the field for fun at the moment. Back of a length and around off, Hendricks stands tall and punches the ball on the up and gets it between covers and mid off as the ball speeds away to the fence.

1.4: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! Such a pleasing shot to watch that! Fuller in length and around off, not a half-volley though, Reeza Hendricks presses back and leans into the drive before caressing the ball through covers for another boundary.

1.4: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, WIDE! Just a touch fuller but angled down leg for a wide.

1.3: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! That rocketed to the fence. Too short and wide from Forde, Hendricks gets up nicely on his toes and slaps the ball through the point region for a boundary.

1.2: Matthew Forde to Reeza Hendricks, Hard length around off and angling it back in, Reeza Hendricks looks to get across and swing it across the line but is taken aback and gets hit on the pads.

1.1: Matthew Forde to Ryan Rickelton, Wow, what time there from Ryan Rickelton. Forde begins on a hard length over middle, Rickelton stays compact and punches it gently and straight back past the bowler. The ball starts to gather pace and Rovman Powell has to put on the afterburners as he chases it down from mid off and saves a run for his side.

Matthew Forde to operate from the other end.

0.6: Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Marginally short and outside off, Reeza Hendricks rocks right back and fetches the ball before swatting it up and over mid-wicket for a boundary. South Africa are 7/0 after the first over.

0.5: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, Similar delivery to the last one, fractionally short and turning back in, Rickelton uses the depth of the crease and works it away wide of mid on for one more.

0.4: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, The length is dropped short now around middle and Hosein gets this one to turn back into the left-hander, Ryan Rickelton tries to make room but flicks it away straight to the man in front of square leg.

0.3: Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Flatter one, on a good length and around off, Hendricks goes back and across before punching it away down to long off and gets off the mark with a single.

0.2: Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Around the stumps now to the right-hander, bowled quicker and on a shorter length outside off, Reeza Hendricks reaches out and slaps the ball straight to covers.

0.1: Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton, South Africa are underway right away in the chase. Akeal Hosein begins from over the stumps and swings the ball back into the left-hander around middle, Ryan Rickelton stays back and just makes a bit of room before playing it through mid on for one.

We are back for South Africa's response! The umpires are punctual and are out to the middle.The West Indian players take their respective fielding positions. Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks are the two openers for South Africa. Akeal Hosein to open the attack as usual for the West Indies. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, South Africa need 180 runs to win and their challenge will be to dominate the powerplay which they have struggled to do so recently. With series on the line, the South African top order will aim to set a strong platform to sail their side through. West Indies on the other hand would want to sneak in with quick wickets as they will have the dew factor in mind as well. An interesting run chase is up next. Stay tuned.

Lizaad Williams is down for a quick chat. He says that personally he summed the conditions up quickly and was trying to break the momentum of the swing. Adds that he has played just a handful of games and wants to make the most of the opportunity. Mentions that the celebration comes from Lebron James who is his idol and plays in the NBA (basketball league). Adds that limiting damage in the Powerplay and taking the game deep should be the way their batters should go.

The bowlers adapted by mixing up their speeds, with Kruger finally cracking the code. This strategic shift swung the momentum back to the Proteas, triggering a cascade of four swift dismissals. Kruger's impressive spell was instrumental in stemming the run flow, while Lizaad Williams delivered a stellar performance, executing his role flawlessly and claiming a spectacular three-wicket haul.

South Africa's decision to bowl first likely considered the potential dew factor under lights. Although they initially struggled to contain the West Indian batters, Lizaad Williams managed to get that breakthrough. The new ball although skidded through and curved back and forth but the success rate was minimal for the Proteas which reflected the lack of experience in the bowling. As a result, Markram had to keep rotating the bowlers to unsettle the batters.  

The hosts hit a rough patch, slipping from a comfortable 83/1 to a precarious 108/4, with even the typically explosive Pooran unable to spark. This stumble halted their momentum, challenging the middle order to steady the ship and show their mettle. Rising to the occasion, Rutherford and Powell dug deep, crafting a tenacious 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rutherford's quickfire 29 and Powell's measured 35 proved crucial, propelling the Windies to a competitive total of 179.

The West Indies openers started strongly yet again, with Athanaze taking an aggressive approach while Hope played a supporting role, maintaining a steady run rate. Athanaze, continuing his good form, capitalized on the fielding restrictions but unfortunately couldn't convert his promising start into a substantial innings. With the batting conditions really dear for the batters, Shai Hope adjusted as the aggressor and counterpunched to prevent pressure from creeping in. Hope's fireworks laid a solid foundation before he fell, seemingly setting the stage for a batting feast.

West Indies finish on a high by snagging 15 off the final over of the first innings and just about managed to post a challenging total on a decent batting track. South Africa on the other hand, came out a bit improved with the ball in pockets but might feel that they gave away some extra runs in the death overs - 68 runs to be precise in the last six overs.

19.6: Ottneil Baartman to Romario Shepherd, SIX! Wow, that is some way to finish off the innings! Ottneil Baartman opts for the slower one and bowls it well short over the stumps. Romario Shepherd hangs deep in the crease and uses all of that muscle to pummel the pull shot high and handsome in front of mid-wicket for a biggie. 15 runs off the final over and West Indies finish with 179/6 on the board!

19.5: Ottneil Baartman to Akeal Hosein, Bowled back of a length and over the stumps, pulled away through the mid-wicket region for just a single.

19.4: Ottneil Baartman to Akeal Hosein, Excellent running! Goes full and wide, just misses the yorker, Akeal Hosein reaches out and hammers the low full toss over extra cover before racing back for two. Ryan Rickelton whips off the bails at the keeper's end as the throw from the deep is a good one but Hosein is safely back in.

19.3: Ottneil Baartman to Akeal Hosein, Goes quick and full and around off, Akeal Hosein with a slight shuffle to the off side but he misses the ball completely. The batters try to sneak in a bye but eventually decide against it.

19.2: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, OUT! CAUGHT! Ottneil Baartman does get his man eventually and Sherfane Rutherford departs after a breezy cameo of 29 (18). Baartman goes into the pitch, takes some pace off it and bowls it over middle. Rutherford sets up deep in his crease but doesn't get a good connection on the pull and hits it straight down the throat of deep mid-wicket where Reeza Hendricks takes a simple  catch.

Akeal Hosein walks in at number 8.

19.2: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, WIDE! Ottneil Baartman tries to keep the ball away from the hitting arc and bowls a slower one outside off but gets it a bit too wide.

19.2: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, WIDE! Wild delivery this from Baartman as he serves a high full toss and angles it well across the left-hander, called a wide.

19.1: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! Brilliant effort in the deep but as soon as Rutherford hit it, he knew it was going to the fence. Ottneil Baartman misses the mark on the wide yorker and serves it in the slot, Rutherford hangs back and swings through the line of the ball hammering it on the bounce to the left of a diving Tristan Stubbs at long off for a boundary.

Uh, oh! South Africa are penalized for not completing their overs in time. Only 4 fielders are permitted to be outside the inner ring. Can the West Indies cash on this? Ottneil Baartman (3-0-17-0) to bowl the last over.

18.6: Kwena Maphaka to Sherfane Rutherford, Excellent stuff from Kwena Maphaka and he closes out his spell really well. Goes full and around off, nailing it in the blockhole, Rutherford stays deep in his crease and drills it down to long off for just a single.

18.5: Kwena Maphaka to Romario Shepherd, Another pace-off delivery, just a smidge short and at the batter, Romario Shepherd gets cramped for room and gets an inside edge off the pads behind square leg for a single.

18.4: Kwena Maphaka to Romario Shepherd, Nicely bowled and this is turning out to be a fine over by the young pacer. Kwena Maphaka takes pace off and bowls it on a good length, angling it across the right-hander, Romario Shepherd hangs deep to swing across the line but is well beaten.

18.3: Kwena Maphaka to Romario Shepherd, Misses the straight yorker by a couple of inches but it is still full enough and Romario Shepherd can't get it past the bowler.

18.2: Kwena Maphaka to Sherfane Rutherford, Pitched-up delivery at the stumps, Sherfane Rutherford hangs back and winds up for the big heave across the line but only manages to miscue it towards mid on for one.

18.1: Kwena Maphaka to Romario Shepherd, On a fullish length, angled away from the right-hander, Romario Shepherd eases it away towards cover for one.

Kwena Maphaka (3-0-25-0) to bowl the penultimate over.

17.6: Lizaad Williams to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller in length, wide of the off stump, Sherfane Rutherford smartly just hangs back and angles the ball fine of short third for a boundary. A wicket and 13 runs off that over.

17.5: Lizaad Williams to Sherfane Rutherford, Goes full now and looks to angle it across off stump, Rutherford crouches a bit and hammers the drive straight to covers.

17.4: Lizaad Williams to Romario Shepherd, A quicker short ball now right at the body line, Romario Shepherd pulls it away through square leg for a single.

Romario Shepherd is in at number 7.

17.3: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, OUT! CAUGHT! Lizaad Williams picks up his second wicket and brings up that Lebron James' 'King celebration' out again. Williams bangs it in short and around off but takes pace off the ball. Rovman Powell stays back in his crease and looks to power the pull shot flat over deep square leg but gets it a bit finer and Rassie van der Dussen takes a fine low catch in the deep. Powell departs for 35 (21) and the 47-run stand is broken.

17.2: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, Another full toss, a low one this time and angled into middle and leg, Rovman Powell flicks it away over the mid-wicket region and collects a couple of more runs.

17.1: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, SIX! Uh, oh! Lizaad Williams has missed his length by a huge margin and pays the ultimate price as well. Looks for the yorker but ends up bowling a high full toss at the body, Rovman Powell hangs deep and backs away a bit before hammering it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Lizaad Williams (3-0-23-2) is back into the attack. He replaces Kruger.

16.6: Ottneil Baartman to Rovman Powell, Brilliant from Ottneil Baartman, just 4 off that over and South Africa desperately needed that after the previous two overs. Baartman nails another full and wide delivery to Rovman Powell who drives it towards sweeper cover for a single.

16.5: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, Top bowling this from Baartman. Goes for the straighter yorker now and nails it to the left-hander, Rutherford hangs back and jams it out through extra cover for one more.

16.4: Ottneil Baartman to Rovman Powell, Another wide yorker from Ottneil Baartman, pace on and wide enough for Powell to only manage to squeeze it away through covers for a single.

Halt! It is quite humid out there and Rovman Powell has called for an exchange of gloves. He gets a new pair of gloves and is good to continue.

16.3: Ottneil Baartman to Rovman Powell, Caught in two minds there Rovman Powell. Ottneil Baartman goes full and wide outside off, Powell shuffles across to the off side, looking to sweep it either side but ends up toe-ending it back to the bowler. A quick change of gloves as well for the Windies skipper.

16.2: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, Bowled well short and angled away from the left-hander, Rutherford leans back and tries to force the lofted shot but mistimes it away through the cover region for just a single.

16.1: Ottneil Baartman to Sherfane Rutherford, Good length, on off and middle and angling away, Rutherford stays put and just eases it away in front of the man at point, can't quite pierce the gap though.

Ottneil Baartman (2-0-13-0) is back into the attack. 

15.6: Patrick Kruger to Sherfane Rutherford, Another slower short ball around leg stump, Sherfane Rutherford gets inside the line and pulls it away to deep square leg for a run. 32 runs off the last two overs.

15.5: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, Pitched up at the stumps, Powell eases the ball down to long on for one and keeps the scoreboard ticking after the boundary.

15.4: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, FOUR! The skipper is starting to find the fence with regularity now. Another short ball and a slower one at that, bowled a bit down leg and Powell manages to swivel and play a controlled pull behind square leg for a boundary.

15.3: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, The attempted yorker now from Kruger and well executed again but the batters somehow pinch two runs. Full and straight at the stumps, Rovman Powell nudges it away through the big gap at mid-wicket and hurries back for the second run.

15.2: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, Much better from Kruger! A slower bumper now, executed well around off, Rovman Powell looks to pull but is early and miscues it badly behind the stumps.

15.1: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, SIX! WHACKED! Kruger bowls it fractionally short around off and this one sits up nicely for the batter, Rovman Powell just holds his shape and mercilessly swings it away over cow corner for a biggie.

Patrick Kruger (2-0-15-2) is back on.

14.6: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, SIX! Sherfane Rutherford now trying to take the control of the game! Another loosener from Fortuin, around off. Sherfane Rutherford cashes on this friendly half volley. Clears his front leg, and smacks it over the cow corner for a huge six. The most expansive over of the innings so far. 18 runs off it.

14.5: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, Just in time! That in-dipper from Fortuin, around middle and leg. Rutherford looks to clip it to mid-wicket but ends up getting a leading edge to point as he closes the face of the bat a bit too early. He goes searching for a single and the fielder with a quick throw at the striker's end compels Rutherford to retreat back with a timely dive.

14.4: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! Nice shot from Rutherford! Pushed through, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford gets the width and lofts it inside out over the covers for a cracking boundary. No chance for the deep cover fielder to intercept it as it was hit with sheer brute force.

14.4: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, WIDE! Past the tramline outside off. Wided.

14.3: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, Pushed through, quick and across off from around the wickets, Sherfane Rutherford goes for an expansive shot towards the covers but inside edges it to the keeper.

14.2: Bjorn Fortuin to Sherfane Rutherford, SIX! A much-needed one for the hosts! Bjorn Fortuin lands it right into the hitting arc as he overpitches it on the middle and leg. Sherfane Rutherford gets the ball in the desired zone, bends on his knee and mercilessly slogs it behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

14.1: Bjorn Fortuin to Rovman Powell, Short in length, around off, Rovman Powell goes deep inside the crease and punches it straight to cover where the fielder dives to intercept the ball. Gets his hands at it but parries it to long off for a single.

Bjorn Fortuin (2-0-13-0) is brought back into the attack.

13.6: Kwena Maphaka to Sherfane Rutherford, Kwena Maphaka hits the nagging length around off, Sherfane Rutherford hops on the bounce and taps it near the strip on the off side. Just 3 runs from this over and the West Indies might surely feel a dip in the momentum.

13.5: Kwena Maphaka to Sherfane Rutherford, Full and angling into the off stump line. Sherfane Rutherford gets ahead and drives it to cover.

13.4: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, This is a good-length delivery on the middle and leg, Rovman Powell looks to push but closes his bat early and gets a thick leading edge that runs through covers for a single.

13.3: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, Fuller length angling into the leg stump. Powell clips it straight to short fine. 

13.3: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Swing and a miss! Kwena Maphaka overcompensates and lands it outside off that nips away from the tramline. Rovman Powell with a wild swing at it but misses. Wide given.

13.3: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Angling way down leg on a length. Wide called.

13.2: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, Length ball again and this time a bit closer at the off stump line. Powell blocks it off the back foot.

13.1: Kwena Maphaka to Rovman Powell, Length outside off. Powell steers it straight to backward point. 

Kwena Maphaka (2-0-22-0) is back on.

12.6: Lizaad Williams to Sherfane Rutherford, Length ball pitching around leg stump. Sherfane Rutherford gets right behind the line and taps it to mid off.

Sherfane Rutherford is the new man in.

12.5: Lizaad Williams to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Lizaad Williams removes the dangerman, Nicky P and South Africa are remarkably back! Lizaad Williams surprises Pooran with a steep and sharp bumper that skids quickly from outside off. Nicholas Pooran is in a bit of indecision as he first gets behind the line to attempt the shot but eventually aborts to have a go. However, he fails to keep his bat down as the ball comes off the surface really quickly. He does arch back to sway away but gloves it straight towards the keeper. Ryan Rickelton makes no mistake behind the wickets. West Indies are now 108/4. 

12.4: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, Good response this from Williams! He cramps the batter for room and attacks the pegs on a good length. Rovman Powell is hurried into the shot but cant quite bring his bat down in time and is late on the flick shot. Wears on the pads.

12.3: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, SIX! That sounded really good off the bat and finally, a boundary for the West Indies after 24 balls! Lizaad Williams bowls it on the back of a length, skidding quickly off the deck and on the middle and leg channel. Rovman Powell gets a good bounce on his chest level as he settles himself by creating a strong base. Gets his bat underneath the ball, middles it, and pulls it behind deep square leg for a six.

12.2: Lizaad Williams to Nicholas Pooran, Fuller in length, and outside off, Nicholas Pooran gets behind the line, crouches and drives it solidly through covers but only has to settle for a single.

12.1: Lizaad Williams to Rovman Powell, Clocks 135 does Lizaad Williams, hits the deck hard and skids through on the middle, Rovman Powell tucks it off the back foot through square leg for a single. 100 up for the West Indies.

Aiden Markram keeps rotating the bowlers as Lizaad Williams now comes from the other end for his third over.

11.6: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, Nagging length, at the stumps again, Rovman Powell swats it down to long on for a single to retain the strike. This has been quite a fightback from the Proteas as they have managed to prevent the flow of runs to an extent.

11.5: Patrick Kruger to Nicholas Pooran, No boundary since 20 deliveries now! Patrick Kruger bowls it on off, and hits the deck hard, Nicholas Pooran pulls it a bit uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.4: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, Angling down the leg stump line on a good length, Rovman Powell goes for a pull but gets it off the inner half towards short fine for a quick single.

11.3: Patrick Kruger to Nicholas Pooran, Pace off from Kruger, short and outside off, Nicholas Pooran waits for the ball to arrive, and stands upright. Drags the pull shot towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.2: Patrick Kruger to Rovman Powell, Length ball outside off. Powell looks to cut it but gets a thick outside edge to deep third man for a single. He gets off the mark.

Skipper, Rovman Powell walks out to bat now.

11.1: Patrick Kruger to Roston Chase, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Patrick Kruger provides another breakthrough and he has bowled smartly according to his field. West Indies 3 down now. Kruger sticks to his plan of bowling it outside the off stump line, and hits the deck hard. Roston Chase is lured into the lofted cover drive as he looks to utilize the shot with the wind and goes into the shot a bit early. The bat twists in his hand and hence, he mistimes it aerially and straight towards Kwena Maphaka patrolling the deep cover fence. Maphaka bends low and takes a good sharp catch just above the grass. A sudden mini collapse for the hosts. Patrick Kruger gets his second wicket.

Patrick Kruger (1-0-10-1) is brought back into the attack.

10.6: Ottneil Baartman to Roston Chase, Fuller length angling down the leg. Chase clips it to deep square leg for a single to retain the strike. 

10.5: Ottneil Baartman to Roston Chase, Baartman keeps the line tight and closer to the batter, on a length, at middle and leg, Roston Chase is cramped up for space and can only inside edge it on the front thigh pad.

10.4: Ottneil Baartman to Nicholas Pooran, Length, across off, Nicholas Pooran hits it down the ground for a single to the left of long off.

10.3: Ottneil Baartman to Nicholas Pooran, Again! The ploy is to keep it away from the hitting arc! Slower one, outside off and fuller in length, Nicholas Pooran is a bit early into his drive and hits it straight to cover off the inner half of the willow.

10.2: Ottneil Baartman to Roston Chase, Baartman keeps it outside off on a fuller length, Roston Chase reaches at it and drives through backward point for an easy single.

10.1: Ottneil Baartman to Nicholas Pooran, On the back of a length hits Baartman, over the top of the middle, Nicholas Pooran mistimes his pull over mid-wicket for an easy single.

Ottneil Baartman (1-0-9-0) is back into the attack.

9.6: Aiden Markram to Roston Chase, Tossed up outside off, trying to angle it across, Roston Chase makes a bit of room and goes up and over wide mid off for a couple of runs. West Indies are 90/2 at the halfway mark.

9.5: Aiden Markram to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted delivery around off and middle, Pooran gets on the front foot and drives it along the turf through mid off for yet another single.

9.4: Aiden Markram to Roston Chase, Bowled just a bit flatter and on off, Roston Chase punches the ball down to long on and turns the strike over.

9.3: Aiden Markram to Nicholas Pooran, Floated up, full and at the stumps, Nicholas Pooran leans on and drives it down to long on for a single.

9.2: Aiden Markram to Nicholas Pooran, Nicely bowled! Tosses the ball up a bit full and outside off, Nicholas Pooran lunges across to drive but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the delivery and gets an inside edge that goes past leg stump and into the keeper's gloves.

9.1: Aiden Markram to Roston Chase, Slightly shorter around middle and at 90.8 kph, Roston Chase works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Change of ends for Aiden Markram (1-0-15-0).

8.6: Patrick Kruger to Roston Chase, Shorter in length over middle and leg, tucked away off the back foot and front of square leg for a single by Chase.

8.5: Patrick Kruger to Roston Chase, Oh, Roston Chase almost chops it back on first ball! Another slower ball from Patrick Kruger, bowled quite short and at the body, Chase gets all tangled as he looks to pull and the ball goes off his body and just past the leg stump.

8.4: Patrick Kruger to Shai Hope, OUT! CAUGHT! This time, Patrick Kruger does get it spot on and the plan has worked, earning Kruger his MAIDEN T20I WICKET! Kruger dishes out a full and wide one, not all that slow but still somewhat pace-off. Shai Hope is suckered into reaching for it and tries to go up and over cover-point but there's just no power on it. Rassie van der Dussen comes charging in from the deep and slides in to grab it with both hands. West Indies are now two down. A quickfire 42-run stand off just 18 deliveries has been broken now as Hope perishes.

Roston Chase is promoted to number 4 ahead of Powell.

8.4: Patrick Kruger to Shai Hope, WIDE! Another slower one, looking to go full and wide but again it is just beyond the tramline and is left alone.

8.3: Patrick Kruger to Shai Hope, SIX! Put away with minimal effort and Shai Hope has really taken his form from the first game into this one as well. Fractionally short and angled at the batter, Hope just swings it away with the breeze and over the man at deep square leg for another six.

8.3: Patrick Kruger to Shai Hope, WIDE! An attempted slower delivery, bowled on a length and well wide of the off stump, left alone for a wide.

8.2: Patrick Kruger to Nicholas Pooran, That should have been put away! Good length, angling down the pads, Pooran swings hard at it and ends up miscuing the shot past short fine leg for just a single.

8.1: Patrick Kruger to Nicholas Pooran, Begins on a fuller length and right at the stumps, Nicholas Pooran has a look-in and opts to block the first one out.

Regular changes by the Proteas in the bowling now. Patrick Kruger is now introduced into the attack, replacing Markram.

7.6: Kwena Maphaka to Nicholas Pooran, Well bowled but they do get the overthrow and 16 runs off that over, West Indies shifting gears quickly now. Bowled right in the blockhole around off, Nicholas Pooran digs it out towards backward point and looks for the single but the fielder there is on his toes. The throw though is unnecessary and wide and it allows and overthrow as well.

7.5: Kwena Maphaka to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Just helped it on its way! Poor line from Kwena Maphaka though as he slides one down the pads with loads of pace on it, Nicholas Pooran just flicks it away and the ball flies over long leg for another biggie.

7.4: Kwena Maphaka to Shai Hope, A bit straighter now and back of a length, Hope nudges it away through mid-wicket for a single.

7.3: Kwena Maphaka to Shai Hope, SIX! Shai Hope dealing in sixes at the moment. Kwena Maphaka drops the length short around off and takes pace off the ball, Hope picks it early, stands tall and forehands the ball up and over wide long on for another biggie.

7.2: Kwena Maphaka to Nicholas Pooran, Over the wicket now to the left-hander and bowled fuller at 144.8 clicks, angling it back onto the stumps, Nicholas Pooran clips the ball away in front of square on the leg side for one.

7.1: Kwena Maphaka to Shai Hope, On a dragged length over off stump at around 137 kph, Shai Hope hops back and pushes it down through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Kwena Maphaka (1-0-6-0) replaces Lizaad Williams.

6.6: Aiden Markram to Shai Hope, Fired in quicker and fuller at the leg peg, Hope manages to jam it away past square leg for a single.

6.5: Aiden Markram to Shai Hope, SIX! And again and that one's gone 90 meters! Tossed up again this time on middle and leg, Shai Hope clears the front leg and swings it away a bit squarer and over the mid-wicket fence for back-to-back sixes.

6.4: Aiden Markram to Shai Hope, SIX! BANG! Markram stays around the wicket and tosses the ball right up in the slot around off stump, Shai Hope sits down on one knee and swats it away high and handsome over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 50 up now for West Indies.

6.3: Aiden Markram to Nicholas Pooran, Slows it up now and slides it onto the pads, Nicholas Pooran just tucks it around the corner and rotates the strike.

6.2: Aiden Markram to Nicholas Pooran, Around the stumps now to the left-hander and pushed through quicker around off, Pooran dabs it late towards backward point.

6.1: Aiden Markram to Shai Hope, Tossed up, on a length and at the stumps at 88 kph, this one grips a bit and Shai Hope uses the depth of the crease to flick it past mid-wicket for a single.

Aiden Markram, the South African skipper introduces himself into the attack now. He replaces Ottneil Baartman.

5.6: Lizaad Williams to Nicholas Pooran, Wristy from Pooran and at the end of the Powerplay, West Indies are 43/1! Fullish length, just sliding down leg, Pooran flicks it away past Kwena Maphaka at short fine leg but the fielder chases it down and saves a couple of runs for his side.

5.5: Lizaad Williams to Nicholas Pooran, Bowled quite full and attacking the toe of the batter, Nicholas Pooran manages to clip it away leg side.

Nicholas Pooran is in at number 3 for the West Indies.

5.4: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent mixture of pace from Lizaad Williams and he gets the first breakthrough for South Africa. Goes pace on now and bowls a heavy short ball right at the batter. Alick Athanaze gets hurried as he tries to hook this one away and the ball simply lobs up off the higher part of the bat in front of mid-wicket. Donovan Ferreira there takes a simple catch and the dangerous Athanaze departs now for 28 (21) and West Indies are 41/1.

5.3: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, First signs off pace-off deliveries from Lizaad Williams here. Just rolls his fingers over the ball and drops it short over leg stump, Alick Athanaze shuffles across to pull but is well beaten.

5.2: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, Keeps the length full and looks to slide one across the pads, Athanaze flicks the ball away past the man at mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs more.

5.1: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Crafty batting this from Athanaze and he has adjusted brilliantly to the fuller lengths. Williams goes full and wide, Athanaze skips down the pitch and adjusts before gliding it away fine of short third for a boundary.

Lizaad Williams (1-0-7-0) is back in to bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

4.6: Ottneil Baartman to Shai Hope, Full and outside the off stump, at 135.3 clicks. Hope gets forward and drives it straight to cover.

4.5: Ottneil Baartman to Alick Athanaze, Nagging length on the stumps. Athanaze walks down the pitch and punches it to deep point for a run.

4.4: Ottneil Baartman to Alick Athanaze, On the back of a length angling outside off, Alick Athanaze is squared up and gets a thick outside edge to the short third region.

4.3: Ottneil Baartman to Alick Athanaze, Short of a length on the stumps. Athanaze blocks it off the back foot.

4.2: Ottneil Baartman to Alick Athanaze, Back of a length on the middle stump. Athanaze on the back foot tickles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.

4.1: Ottneil Baartman to Alick Athanaze, SIX! Wow, this is some batting from Athanaze! Length ball on the leg stump line. Athanaze makes room by dancing down to the pitch and frees his arms and hits through the line over long off handsomely for a six.

Ottneil Baartman to have a bowl now.

3.6: Kwena Maphaka to Shai Hope, FOUR! Guided away in disdain! Short and down the leg side. Hope gets on the back foot uses the pace and angle of the bowler and helps it with a pull over short fine leg for a boundary.

3.5: Kwena Maphaka to Alick Athanaze, Oh, what happened there? Good length, shaping back into the stumps, Alick Athanaze is late on the shot and his bat even twists into his hand and the ball rolls to the keeper. Hope wants a quick single and Alick Athanaze obeys his partner to cross over. However, Hops really had to put on the afterburners to reach home safely as Ryan Rickelton gets to the ball quickly and scores a direct hit on the underarm throw. However, replay shows that Hope was well inside the popping crease. A risky run though.

Is that a run-out? Some hesitation out there in the middle between the two batters and Ryan Rickelton from behind the stumps does really well to get his under-arm throw onto the stumps. The third umpire is called in and the replays show that Shai Hope was just in. NOT OUT comes up on the big screen.

3.4: Kwena Maphaka to Alick Athanaze, Good length swinging back into the leg stump. Athanaze misses the flick on the inside edge again. 

3.3: Kwena Maphaka to Alick Athanaze, A stifled appeal for LBW, but just for a moment as the umpire denies. Lizaad Williams goes pace on and searches for that yorker again, this time tails into the batter a bit and lands fuller in length. Alick Athanaze is rooted deep inside the crease and goes to swipe it across the line but gets rapped on the front pad. South Africa do not opt for a review here as it was possibly going past the leg stump.

3.2: Kwena Maphaka to Alick Athanaze, Good length around the off stump. Athanaze mistimes the punch in front of short extra cover.

3.1: Kwena Maphaka to Shai Hope, A low full toss outside off, Hope leans and drives it behind the square of the wicket to deep third for a single.

First change in bowling as Kwena Maphaka comes into the attack.

2.6: Bjorn Fortuin to Alick Athanaze, SIX! KABOOM! This is a very positive start for the West Indies yet again! Full and sliding down leg, Alick Athanaze readies himself for a reverse sweep and executes it perfectly by sailing the ball behind deep backward point for a six.

2.5: Bjorn Fortuin to Alick Athanaze, Much quicker and flatter at 101 kph, Alick Athanaze drives this full toss back to the bowler.

2.4: Bjorn Fortuin to Alick Athanaze, Full and on off, pushed through on a flatter trajectory, Alick Athanaze gets beaten on the outside edge as it straightens up after pitching.

2.3: Bjorn Fortuin to Alick Athanaze, Length, outside off, and full. Alick Athanaze punches it to mid off.

2.2: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, Slightly pulls his length back a bit does Bjorn Fortuin, on the middle and off, Shai Hope adjusts by going back and across and lofts it over the bowler's head for a single. The fielder from long off collects the ball on a couple of bounces and keeps it to just one.

2.1: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, FOUR! Nice shot! Fortuin lands it quite full and on the middle, Shai Hope reads it well and finds it in his arc. Sits down on his knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

1.6: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Lizaad Williams goes fuller again, at 138 kph, on the middle and leg channel, Alick Athanaze shuffles across off and ramps it over short fine for a boundary to end the second over.

1.5: Lizaad Williams to Shai Hope, Full again, on the stumps, Shai Hope flicks it to deep square leg off the inner part of his willow for a single.

1.4: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, Pace on at 142.8 clicks, attacking the stumps on the tight line and fuller length, Alick Athanaze falls over as he tries to flick it away but gets a thick inside edge that rolls to point. The underarm throw comes from the point region but has a shy, and with no backup, it allows the batters to cross over.

1.3: Lizaad Williams to Alick Athanaze, Back of a length on off, Alick Athanaze tucks it to mid-wicket.

1.2: Lizaad Williams to Shai Hope, Fuller in length at 138 kph, shaping back into the batter on middle. Alick Athanaze flicks it to square leg for a single.

1.1: Lizaad Williams to Shai Hope, Oh, not called a wide! Lizaad Williams starts off from over the stumps and sprays it down leg on a good length. Shai Hope misses to glance it off the back foot. The side-on replay with UltraEdge shows that the ball was clipping his front pad. Good decision by the umpire there to not deem it as a wide.

Lizaad Williams, the right-arm pacer to operate from the other end.

0.6: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope,  Full again, pushed through on the leg stump line. Shai Hope flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 2 runs off the first over.

0.5: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, Full on the middle stump. Shai Hope blocks on the front foot in front of point.

0.4: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, Full on the off stump. Hope drives it straight to short extra cover.

0.3: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, Good length at the stumps, Hope blocks it.

0.2: Bjorn Fortuin to Shai Hope, Length ball again, from around the stumps, an arm ball on the off stump. Hope looks to play on the back foot and gets an inside edge to square leg.

0.1: Bjorn Fortuin to Alick Athanaze, Alick Athanaze and West Indies are off the mark! Bjorn Fortuin starts from over the stumps and lands it on a good length outside off and gets a bit of a turn into the batter. Alick Athanaze goes back and across and tucks it to the mid-wicket region for a single.

All in readiness for the game to begin! The umpires are already out in the middle and the Proteas players spread out on the field as well. It will be the pairing of Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze to open the innings for West Indies. South Africa opt to start proceedings with spin as the left-arm orthodox spinner, Bjorn Fortuin takes the new ball. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree and Nikhil Uttamchandani are pitchside. Nikhil starts by saying that it is the same surface but reckons there is a wind blowing from the east which might play a role. Badree adds that the surface itself seems even and there isn't a blade of grass on it and the batters will have a good time out in the middle apart from the initial few overs.

Rovman Powell, the captain of the West Indies says it is always a good opportunity to improve. Says it looks a pretty good wicket, and is completely differrent from the last game. Tells their bowling in the death overs has been leading to their downfall in recent times. Informs they are going unchanged and ends by saying the boys are very optimistic for another series win.

Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa says that they will bowl first based on the information they got from the last game. Adds that it is a clean slate today to get a few parts of the game right and hopefully, they can make amends. Mentions that the power-hitting from the Windies batters is a challenge for the bowlers and they simply need to back their skills. Ends by informing that Lizaad Williams comes in for Nandre Burger.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Donovan Ferreira, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams (In for Nandre Burger).

West Indies (Unchanged Playing XI) - Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph.

TOSS UPDATE - Aiden Markram calls it correct at the coin flip, and South Africa elects to BOWL first.