West Indies vs South Africa, SA in WI, 3 T20I Series, 2024 Full score card

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Done and dusted! The West Indies go 2-0 up 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.

Forde bowls it full and outside off. Baartman swings and misses to the keeper.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

A low full toss outside off. Kwena Maphaka swings and misses to the keeper.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Good length outside the off stump. Kruger punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Bjorn Fortuin walks in at number 8.

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.

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

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

Length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen cuts it to extra cover.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Keeps the length full and drifts it onto middle, VVD clips it away through square leg and turns the strike over.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Slower one, pitched up around off, VVD gets on the front foot and pushes it down to long off for one more.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Length ball on off, Rassie van der Dussen leans ahead and plays it back at the bowler.

Length ball around leg stump Rassie van der Dussen hits it to deep backward square leg for a brace.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Full and tossed up at the middle stump. Rassie van der Dussen gets forward and defends it straight back at the bowler.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Length ball on the pads. Stubbs tucks it away to mid-wicket for a single.

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.

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.

Length ball around middle and leg. this is worked away to deep mid-wicket for a single by Stubbs.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Back of a length angling down the leg. Markram flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

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.

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.

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

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

Length ball around middle and leg stump at 134.3 kph. Markram tucks it away to mid-wicket for a single.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Floated up, on a length and on the pads, Rickelton turns it off his pads past square leg for one.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WIDE! Just a touch fuller but angled down leg for a wide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bowled back of a length and over the stumps, pulled away through the mid-wicket region for just a single.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WIDE! Past the tramline outside off. Wided.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Full and angling into the off stump line. Sherfane Rutherford gets ahead and drives it to cover.

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.

Fuller length angling into the leg stump. Powell clips it straight to short fine.

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.

WIDE! Angling way down leg on a length. Wide called.

Length ball again and this time a bit closer at the off stump line. Powell blocks it off the back foot.

Length outside off. Powell steers it straight to backward point.

Kwena Maphaka (2-0-22-0) is back on.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fuller length angling down the leg. Chase clips it to deep square leg for a single to retain the strike.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

Shorter in length over middle and leg, tucked away off the back foot and front of square leg for a single by 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.

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.

WIDE! Another slower one, looking to go full and wide but again it is just beyond the tramline and is left alone.

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.

WIDE! An attempted slower delivery, bowled on a length and well wide of the off stump, left alone for a wide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A bit straighter now and back of a length, Hope nudges it away through mid-wicket for a single.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Slows it up now and slides it onto the pads, Nicholas Pooran just tucks it around the corner and rotates the strike.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Full and outside the off stump, at 135.3 clicks. Hope gets forward and drives it straight to cover.

Nagging length on the stumps. Athanaze walks down the pitch and punches it to deep point for a run.

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.

Short of a length on the stumps. Athanaze blocks it off the back foot.

Back of a length on the middle stump. Athanaze on the back foot tickles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.

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.

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.

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.

Good length swinging back into the leg stump. Athanaze misses the flick on the inside edge again.

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.

Good length around the off stump. Athanaze mistimes the punch in front of short extra cover.

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.

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.

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

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

Length, outside off, and full. Alick Athanaze punches it to mid off.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Full on the middle stump. Shai Hope blocks on the front foot in front of point.

Full on the off stump. Hope drives it straight to short extra cover.

Good length at the stumps, Hope blocks it.

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.

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.

With the teams deadlocked at 12-12 in their overall encounters in the T20Is, this match takes on added significance. It's a do-or-die scenario for the Proteas as they fight to keep their series hopes alive. Meanwhile, the West Indies have a chance to seal the deal on home turf. Will they repeat their series triumph from earlier this year, or can South Africa bounce back with a vengeance? Also, let’s hope the weather permits an uninterrupted game this time around. Toss and team sheets are up next in a bit. Stay tuned.

The weather surely played a mischievous role in the previous game. Initially, the pitch presented some challenges for the batters, offering a tacky surface that made strokeplay difficult. However, as the game wore on under the lights, batting conditions improved noticeably. The evening dew is likely to be a factor again, potentially making life difficult for the bowling side in the second innings. So, winning the toss and bowling first still looks like a viable option here. With humidity and dew being key tactical factors, it would be interesting to see how both sides make amends to their teams, if any, this time around.

South Africa on the other hand, would be gutted with the way they slipped in the first game. Though they fielded a less experienced squad, veterans like Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen will be keen to address their shortcomings and fine-tune their batting approach. Inconsistency at the top of the order has hampered their scoring efforts. However, young Tristan Stubbs has been a silver lining, showcasing his ability to steer the team out of trouble, as evidenced in the last game. Resting key quicks and the unfortunate injury of Lungi Ngidi have surely put a dent in their bowling unit and the depth was indeed tested. However, the responsibility now lies on the likes of Nandre Burger, Baartman, and the young Maphaka to deliver strong impactful performances with the ball.

The hosts, West Indies have plenty to smile about when it comes to their strongest suit, batting. Nicholas Pooran's scintillating form has recently been the cornerstone of their success, often carrying the team's scoring burden. Shai Hope, too, seems to have found his rhythm, while the inclusion of the gifted Alick Athanaze has injected fresh energy into the top order. However, the middle order batters are yet to leave their imprint on the series and will be keen to make a substantial impact when opportunities arise. With the young speed guns Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph shouldering the bowling arsenal, the bowling suit also looks solid.

Hello and a very warm welcome to our coverage of the 2nd and the penultimate T20I between the West Indies and South Africa. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy of Tarouba will continue to serve as the exclusive venue for the remainder of the matches. The hosts have taken a 1-0 lead, winning the first game by a comprehensive margin of 7 wickets and now, they would aim to seal the series with another win. But, they know it ain’t a walkover, as South Africa would be itching to find an equalizer in this series decider clash.

... MATCH DAY ...

The South Africa tour of the West Indies has been a thrilling ride for cricket fans. While the Proteas clinched the Test series, the hosts have come roaring back in the T20Is. The West Indies didn't just win - they dominated, taking apart South Africa's usually formidable bowling attack, which is also considered as the backbone of their side. Now, the second T20I offers them a chance to level the series in what's shaping up to be another edge-of-the-seat contest. The West Indies, on the other hand, are riding high on the waves of confidence after a fabulous outing with the bat. After a dismal exit from the T20 World Cup, that too, on their home soil, they would be considering this bilateral series as an opportunity for redemption and that’s what the fans were treated with - a proper vintage Windies flare. For West Indies, it is crucial to improve a bit in their bowling department along with the efforts in the ground fielding as well. In T20Is, just a phase of a couple of bad overs well and truly disbalances the momentum and that’s where the Windies need to brush up a bit. The Windies pacers bowled comparatively well than their counterparts and the likes of Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde might be handy. It'll be intriguing to see if the West Indies stick with their three-spinner strategy or opt to swap in another pacer for the second T20I. Obed McCoy is waiting in the wings, ready to step in. Akeal Hosein did a remarkable job of containing the batters in the field restrictions and would be expected to execute the same this time. The batting, however, is considered as the stronger domain for the West Indies in the shortest format and it did live up to their reputation. The redemption of Shai Hope has been remarkable for the side while the addition of Alick Athanaze has provided much-needed stability up top. And then there’s the ever-dependable Nicholas Pooran who is in the form of his life currently, ready to dismantle any bowling unit. The top three are crucial, but it's the middle order where the Windies have struggled with consistency - an issue that hurt them in the T20 World Cup. Rovman Powell's form has been so-so, and Rutherford hasn't had many chances to shine. With heavy hitters like Johnson Charles and Shimron Hetmyer waiting in the wings, this batting order has the potential to be devastating. If they can get their middle order firing, they'll be a tough team to beat. South Africa on the other hand, rested key experienced batters like Miller, Klaasen and QDK. While their middle order bailed them out of a precarious situation, all eyes will be on how the top three respond now. Reeza Hendricks’ form has been pretty on and off for a while now which adds an extra bit of pressure for the batters to follow. Also, skipper Markram hasn’t fired up to his reputation so far. So, a lot is at stake for the Proteas. With premier bowlers Nortje, Rabada, and Maharaj absent, South Africa's bowling has been impacted. However, young talents like Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman offer hope. The tourists might experiment with different combinations, including Wiaan Mulder and Lizaad Williams as pace options. This match is crucial for South Africa, as only a win keeps their series hopes alive. The rain did some mischief with the track in the previous game as the ball gripped and stopped on the surface, making life certainly a bit difficult for the batters, but as the game progressed, the batters did come out hammer and tongs in the latter stages - under the lights. With the Brian Lara Cricket Academy being the exclusive venue for this T20I series, it will be interesting to see how the track behaves this time around and more importantly, it all depends on the weather as well. Lastly, the West Indies have defeated South Africa 4 out of 5 last meets which also includes a 3-0 whitewash earlier this year. So, this presents a golden opportunity for the Proteas to prevent another series defeat. While the hosts have a home advantage, South Africa has previously won on Caribbean soil back in 2021. Can they repeat that success, or will the West Indies extend their head-to-head lead? Which side are you rooting for?