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

SIX! BANG! That's some way to wrap up the game and the series! Kruger goes full and outside off, Shai Hope gets low and lofts it over cover for a biggie. West Indies win by 8 wickets and clean sweep the series 3-0!

Kruger bowls it full, on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to long on and scampers a couple more runs to bring up the 50-run stand between these two!

FOUR! Picks up the gap and makes it look very easy! Full and on leg, Shimron Hetmyer stays rooted in the crease and just flicks it past short fine for another boundary. West Indies are just 8 runs away now!

Fuller and outside off, Shai Hope punches it to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Just glorious! Ottneil Baartman bowls it full and on off, Shai Hope leans on it and creams his drive through covers for a boundary.

Drags the length down, on off, Shimron Hetmyer guides it to short third and gets to the other end.

FOUR! The change of ball doesn't quite change the fortunes for the Proteas! Baartman bowls this wider on off and on a length, Shimron Hetmyer hangs back and crisps his cut past point for another boundary.

Halt! The ball seems to have gotten too soggy for the South African bowlers to grip. As a result, the umpires have decided to change the ball.

FOUR! Class written all over it! Too full, on middle and leg, Shimron Hetmyer shimmies down the track and makes a bit of room for himself before placing the drive precisely in the gap between cover and mid off for a boundary.

Pace off, just outside off, fuller too, Shai Hope looks to cut it away on the off side but gets deceived by the lack of pace on it. West Indies need 26 off 30 balls!

A good change-up delivery but even better execution from Shai Hope! Maphaka takes pace off and bowls it full, on the stumps, Shai Hope taps it in front of deep mid-wicket and squeezes a comfortable two.

Attempted yorker, bowled full, on off, Shimron Hetmyer hammers it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Bangs it into the deck, on a nagging length and over the pegs, Shimron Hetmyer pulls it all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a couple more.

SIX! Picks this absolutely right does Hetmyer! Short in length and over off, Shimron Hetmyer quickly reads the length and pulls it over square leg for a maximum. Kwena Maphaka continues to be tested!

A halt in play as the physio comes out for a mandatory concussion check on Shai Hope. The test is complete and the play will resume now.

Bowls it into the deck, short and over middle, Shai Hope is a bit early on the pull and gets a feather onto his helmet and the ball loops behind the keeper for a single. Shai Hope will have a mandatory concussion check!

Good running between the wickets between these two. 8 runs come off that over and West Indies now need 38 from 36 balls. This is shorter in length and on middle and leg, Shimron Hetmyer swivels back and pulls it off the inner half of the bat in front of deep mid-wicket and gets a brace.

Lands it full and attacks the stumps, Shai Hope clips it square of the wicket on the leg side for a single.

Takes pace off and bowls it full, on the pads, Shimron Hetmyer flicks it in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Kruger digs it in short but down leg. Shimron Hetmyer tries to pull it fine but misses out on making connection.

A very low full toss, on off, Shai Hope knocks it to long on for one.

Pulls the length down, but keeps it outside off, Shimron Hetmyer punches it to deep point for another single.

Comes from over the wicket and bowls it full, outside off, Shai Hope reaches out and cuts it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Streaky but Hetmyer will take it! On the sixth stump line, on a good length, Shimron Hetmyer looks to heave it across the line but gets an outside edge that races past short third for a boundary. Still, only 5 runs off the over. West Indies need 46 runs from 42 balls.

Three dots on the trot! Williams bangs in a slower bumper, around off, Shimron Hetmyer lets it go thinking it is a wide for height but there is no signal from the umpire.

And again! Williams slants it across the left-hander, on a length, Shimron Hetmyer loses his shape a bit this time as he swings hard to go down the ground and he misses again.

Beaten! Going across the batter from over the wicket, full and just outside off, Shimron Hetmyer looks to go back over the bowler's head but the ball nips away off the deck to beat the bat.

Full this time from Williams, on off, Shai Hope drives it off the inner half of the bat to long on and rotates the strike.

Williams nails the yorker, outside off, Shai Hope jams it out back to the bowler.

On a hard length, on off, Shimron Hetmyer punches it hard but can't get it past the man at cover. A decent over from Kruger, just the 5 runs off it. The bowler at the other end will have to back Kruger up now.

Pace on this time, on a back of a length, around off, Shai Hope dabs it past cover and gets to the other end.

Slower and on a short of a length, outside off, Shai Hope looks to force it through the off side but fails to lay any bat on it.

Direct hit but Shai Hope is safe! Kruger keeps it into the wicket, on off, Shai Hope punches it with a high elbow to the left of cover. He stutters before setting off for the run before he gets sent back by his partner. Aiden Markram picks it up and hits the stumps at the batting end but Hope is in by then.

WIDE! Kruger sprays it beyond the tramline on off for a wide.

Angling across the batter, on a back of a length, Shimron Hetmyer punches it from the crease to deep cover for a single.

WIDE! Kruger bowls the slower bumper but this goes over the head of the batter. Wide given.

Kruger takes pace off straight away and bowls it on a back of a length, around off, Shai Hope stands tall and punches it to deep point for a single.

Patrick Kruger comes into the attack just after the Powerplay.

Baartman bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Shimron Hetmyer punches it back to the bowler. End of the Powerplay with West Indies 60/2, requiring 56 runs from 54 balls.

Shimron Hetmyer walks out to bat next for West Indies.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Ottneil Baartman has the last laugh! Baartman takes pace off and goes into the deck, outside off, Nicholas Pooran is made to fetch the pull from outside off. He goes through the shot and hits it flat and straight down the throat of the fielder at deep mid-wicket. The debutant, Jason Smith steadies himself near the ropes and takes a reverse cup catch near his face. South Africa will hope to stop the haemorrhage of runs now and apply the pressure.

Baartman varies his pace this time and the length too as this is on a back of a length, over middle, Nicholas Pooran swings for the pull but misses and wears it on the body.

FOUR! Drilled hard! Baartman goes fuller in length and bowls it at pace, on off, Nicholas Pooran smacks it back past the bowler and beats mid off to his left for four more runs.

FOUR! Short and punished! Baartman drags the length back and bowls it on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran gets his weight into the shot and pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

SIX! BANG! Baartman is greeted with a six! A slot ball from over the wicket by Baartman first up, on off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and stays low to make the connection. Pumps it over mid off for a six. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Ottneil Baartman is handed the ball as Aiden Markram desperately looks to break this partnership!

Maphaka ends the over well! Off-pace delivery, into the wicket, outside off, Shai Hope tries to heave it away off the back foot but misses. West Indies need 70 runs in 60 balls with still one over of Powerplay remaining.

SIX! Easy as you like! Shai Hope makes the most of the Free Hit. Angling into the right-hander, on a length, on the pads, Shai Hope uses the angle to his advantage and whips it over deep square leg for the third six of the over. 22 runs off the over with a ball to go.

WIDE! Maphaka bangs it in short but the line is way outside off. Wide given. Free Hit will continue.

NO BALL! Maphaka rolls his fingers over the ball again, on a back of a length, outside off, Shai Hope tries to fetch the pull from outside off but does not connect. Maphaka has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

Good comeback from the youngster! Takes pace off does Maphaka and keeps it near the tramline on off, Shai Hope sets himself up for the pull shot again but gets undone by the lack of pace and bounce.

SIX! In front of square this time but the result is the same! Two in two for Shai Hope. Maphaka bowls it on a shortish length, around off, Shai Hope picks up the length and line early. Holds his shape and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for six more runs.

SIX! Shai Hope gets into the six-hitting act now! Maphaka comes from around the wicket and digs it in short, around off, Shai Hope gets on top of the bounce nicely and pulls it disdainfully over deep square leg for a six.

At 141.9 kph, a well-directed bumper from Maphaka, at the ribs of the batter, Nicholas Pooran miscues the pull but luckily for him, it drops in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

WIDE! Maphaka charges in from over the wicket but sprays it down leg, on a full length, Nicholas Pooran swings to heave it away but misses. Wide given.

Kwena Maphaka comes into the attack.

Slower bumper from Williams, on off, Nicholas Pooran reaches out and plays almost a forehand in front of mid off for a single. An expensive first over from Williams, 15 runs off it.

Slightly slower and this moves away off the deck, on a hard length, Nicholas Pooran swings for the pull but connects with thin air.

SIX! BOOM! This has gone into the orbit! Williams misses his mark as he comes from over the wicket and serves a length ball, on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and just whacks it over deep square leg for a biggie.

This is on a back of a length, angling in, on off, Shai Hope hops and punches it to cover where a slight misfield allows the batters to take the single.

Very full this time from Williams, on off, Nicholas Pooran squeezes it out to deep third for a single.

SIX! Dispatched with disdain! Williams bangs it into the deck, over middle, sits up nicely for the batter. Nicholas Pooran latches onto it as he nails the pull over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Lizaad Williams to share the new ball from the other end.

At 100.2 kph, curving away from the batter, fuller and outside off, right in the slot for Nicholas Pooran who leaves nothing in the tank and swings through the line. He fails to connect and the ball comes off the keeper's gloves and rolls behind for a bye.

SIX! No sighters needed for Nicholas Pooran! Fortuin bowls it shorter and quicker, on middle, Nicholas Pooran puts the dancing shoes on and heaves the pull over deep square leg for a biggie.

Nicholas Pooran strides out at number 3 for West Indies!

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Bjorn Fortuin strikes in the first over! Fortuin drags the length even more and keeps it around middle, Alick Athanaze premeditates as he comes down the track, looking to pump this down the ground. Airs it only as far as mid on where Aiden Markram takes a couple of steps back a pouches it safely near his chest.

Slower by Fortuin, short and on leg, Alick Athanaze goes for the pull but the ball holds up in the surface and he fails to connect. The ball goes through to catch the keeper, Ryan Rickelton on the thigh.

Fired in at 95.7 kph, shorter and slanting into the right-hander, Shai Hope tucks it in front of square leg and picks up a single.

Fortuin starts off on a nagging length from over the wicket, on off, Alick Athanaze goes back in his crease and nudges it in front of backward square leg for a single.

A single to end the innings! Another off-pace delivery by Forde but the length is pulled back this time, on off, Jason Smith waits on it and slaps it to long off for just a single. 14 runs off the first 3 balls but a wicket and 2 runs off the next 3 balls as South Africa end up with 108 on the board!

Loopy, slower delivery, on a fullish length, on off, Wiaan Mulder hits it hard down the ground to long off and gets to the other end.

Wiaan Mulder walks out to bat at number 6 for South Africa!

OUT! TAKEN! Matthew Forde fights back! Tristan Stubbs has done his job though. Forde bowls it full and straight, at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs goes deep in the crease and clears his front leg to launch this one down the ground. Gets this one right off the toe end of the bat and skies it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Fabian Allen settles under the skier and takes it near his chest.

FOUR! Gap picked to perfection! Slower and on a back of a length by Forde, outside off, Tristan Stubbs gets his weight on the back foot and waits for the ball to arrive. Drills it all along the ground and picks the gap between deep extra cover and long off for a boundary. 14 runs off the first 3 balls of the final over.

SIX! BOOM! Massive hit! On a length, right in the hitting arc, on middle, Tristan Stubbs clears his front leg and smokes it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. The 100 comes up for South Africa with four balls to go in the innings.

FOUR! Clever, very clever! At 104.4 kph, on a shortish length, near the tramline on off, Tristan Stubbs predicts the line and length early. Brings out the reverse scoop and gets it over short third for a boundary.

Who will bowl the final over? It will be Matthew Forde to close the innings with the ball.

Slower bumper by Shepherd, over middle, Tristan Stubbs mistimes the pull and it goes along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one. Not a bad over for Shepherd and West Indies at this stage in the game. 8 runs off it.

FOUR! Smart batting! Shepherd bangs it short, near the wide guideline on off, Tristan Stubbs waits and holds his shape. Knows that mid off is inside the circle and he picks his spot. Slaps it up and over mid off for a boundary.

Shepherd goes into the deck and takes all the pace off, on off, Tristan Stubbs is early into his pull shot and fails to connect.

Shepherd lands it near the tramline on off, on a short of a good length, Tristan Stubbs cracks the cut but picks out the man at cover-point.

Pace taken off, on a short of a good length, on off, Jason Smith mistimes the pull in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Shepherd bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Jason Smith gets on his toes and punches it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

SIX! WOW! This has gone many a mile! Obed McCoy goes into the deck but not short enough to trouble the batter. Tristan Stubbs stands tall and clobbers the pull over deep square leg for six more runs. The over did not start well for South Africa with just a single from the first 3 balls but Stubbs ensured that it ended well. 17 runs off the over.

FOUR! Crunched! Angling away from the batter, on a short of a good length, Tristan Stubbs creates a strong base for himself and holds his shape before slapping it past cover for a boundary.

SIX! Clean strike! Obed tries the bumper with pace on it, sits up nicely for the batter. Tristan Stubbs hangs back and pulls it over deep backward square leg for a biggie.

Cleverly bowled! Pace off delivery by Obed, on a back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs fails to connect as he looks to play this one on the off side.

A shout for caught behind but from Obed McCoy alone! He is convinced but neither Nicholas Pooran nor Roston Chase seem to have heard anything and therefore, West Indies do not take the review. Fuller in length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs shapes for the reverse scoop but misses.

Begins from over the wicket and slants it across the batter, on a good length, Jason Smith drills it hard towards deep cover and gets to the other end.

Obed McCoy comes into the attack now.

Pace on now, speared in at the pads, Jason Smith flicks this full delivery to deep square leg and gets off the mark in T20I cricket with a single. Two wickets and 6 runs off the first over from Romario Shepherd.

Another off-pace delivery, on a short of a good length, on off, Jason Smith looks to work it square on the off side but misses.

The debutant, Jason Smith walks out to bat next!

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Excellently held by Matthew Forde! Romario Shepherd has two in the over. Shepherd takes all the pace off as he rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it full, at the stumps, Ryan Rickelton clears his front leg and looks to launch this down the ground. Gets more height than distance on it. Airs it in front of long on where Matthew Forde runs in off the ropes, keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through and slides in front to take a good catch near his knees.

On a back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs dabs it along the ground to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Tristan Stubbs is on his way! Shepherd goes into the deck again, over middle, Tristan Stubbs moves leg side and fetches the pull to hit this one right between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Tristan Stubbs makes his way out to bat at number 4 for South Africa.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Romario Shepherd strikes with his first delivery! Shepherd steams in from over the wicket and bangs it into the deck, outside off, keeps it away from the batter's reach. Aiden Markram sets himself up for the short ball as he hangs back and then clears his front leg to swat it away on the leg side. Ends up getting a feather on it and the keeper, Nicholas Pooran does the rest.

Romario Shepherd comes into the attack now.

Well bowled! Motie fires the yorker in, on middle, Ryan Rickelton jams it out back to the bowler. An over where Gudakesh Motie could have had Ryan Rickelton, ends up going for 16 runs.

Darted in by Motie, flat and short, at the batter, Aiden Markram clears his front leg and has a swipe across the line but misses. The ball rolls off his thigh pad in front of short third for a leg bye.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Motie offers flight and goes fuller this time, at the stumps, Aiden Markram backs away and opens his front up to go inside out, past cover for a boundary.

SIX! Launched down the ground! Motie bowls it shorter and slower, on off, Aiden Markram goes deep in the crease and flat bats this one over long off for a six.

DROPPED! Obed McCoy shells it! Another reprieve for Ryan Rickelton. Motie comes from around the wicket and slows it up to induce the false shot, looped up, fuller and on middle, Ryan Rickelton goes for the slog sweep but gets a top edge that goes high in the air but only as far as deep backward square leg where Obed McCoy attempts a reverse cup catch near his face but fails to cling on. The batters cross for one.

FOUR! Slapped away! Motie bowls it short and quick, near the tramline on off, Ryan Rickelton hangs back and thumps it up and over cover for a boundary.

Goes full again, just around off, Ryan Rickelton swats it straight down the track to the right of the bowler. Chase gets his hands to it and parries it in front of long off as the batters collect a single.

Fires it full, on middle and off, Aiden Markram drills it to long on and gets across to the other end.

Straighter and flatter, on middle, Ryan Rickelton tucks it in front of long on for one more.

Tossed up, just around off, Aiden Markram sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Slips this down leg, fuller too. Aiden Markram looks to help it fine but misses.

SIX! Just over the fielder! Chase errs and serves a full toss on off, Aiden Markram hoicks it straight over long on. Gudakesh Motie gets across to his left and tries to grab it with both hands over his shoulder but the ball just pops out and goes over the fence for a maximum. Motie should have done better there.

Halt! The ball seems to have gone out of shape and we are going to have a ball change. We are all good to go now.

Comes from over the wicket and bowls it full, on off, Aiden Markram drives it back to the bowler.

A good over this for South Africa! 11 runs come off it. Motie bowls this full and on off, Aiden Markram waits deep in the crease and punches it to covers for single.

That beats everyone! Shorter in length and outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to pull it across the line but the ball beats his bat and evades the keeper too. The fielder from short fine leg sprints back and makes the stop just around the rope keeping it down to three byes.

SIX! BANG! A potential shift in the momentum South Africa needed! Tossed up by Gudakesh Motie on off, Ryan Rickelton gets low and clobbers it over long on for a maximum.

Bowls this a bit fuller and on off, Aiden Markram punches it to cover for a single.

Shorter in length and on off, turning away again, Aiden Markram looks for the sweep but misses out yet again.

Nice start from Gudakesh Motie! Bowls this full and on off, getting the ball to bite and turn away sharp, Aiden Markram looks to poke at it but gets beaten by the sharp turn.

Chase gives the ball air and keeps it outside off, Ryan Rickelton switches his stance as he goes for the reverse but connects with thin air as the ball grips and turns away from him. A maiden from Roston Chase.

Beaten! Fuller and quicker but it still turns away considerably, outside off, Ryan Rickelton goes back in his crease to turn it across the line but misses.

DROPPED! Akeal Hosein has put down a sitter! Chase drops it short and on off, Ryan Rickelton hangs back to punch it past cover but the ball sticks in the surface, resulting in Rickelton going through his shot early. He chips it straight to cover where the ball goes at waist height to Akeal Hosein who shells it. Straight in and out.

And again! Looped up nicely by Chase, full and on off, Ryan Rickelton pokes at the delivery but it spins away to beat the bat.

More turn! Floated up, full and spinning away, outside off, Ryan Rickelton goes for the reverse but misses.

Grip and turn straight away! Chase starts from around the wicket and tosses it up, full and turning away, outside off, Ryan Rickelton reaches out but fails to lay any bat on it.

The skipper of South Africa, Aiden Markram walks in at number 3. Roston Chase introduces himself to the attack from the other end.

OUT! CAUGHT! Akeal Hosein gets the first breakthrough and this is a deserving wicket for him! Digs it marginally short and on off, getting the ball to turn away even further, Reeza Hendricks hangs back and looks to pull but the ball is way too wide on the off side for him to make the right connection. He still goes through with the shot and gets it high in the air in front of deep mid-wicket. Fabian Allen sprints to the ball and dives ahead to take a sharp low catch.

A huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. Hosein bowls this short and on middle and leg and gets the ball to grip and turn away. Reeza Hendricks looks for the sweep but gets beaten as the ball hits him near the waist. It looked to be going over the stumps to the naked eye and Roston Chase thought so as well.

Continues from around the wicket and bowls it fuller than a good length on middle and leg and gets the ball to turn away sharp. Reeza Hendricks is beaten on all ends.

All in readiness for the resumption. Roston Chase and his men make their way out to the middle. Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks are all set to resume their innings. Akeal Hosein will complete his over. Since 4 overs have been completed, West Indies can have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the rest of the innings. Let's play...

UPDATE - 9.18 pm GMT - Great news! Play set to resume at 9.30 pm GMT. It will be a 13-over-per-side contest. The Powerplay will be of 4 overs. Three bowlers can bowl three overs, while two bowlers can bowl two. Since 4.3 overs have already been completed in the South African innings, the DLS method will be used to determine the target for the West Indies.

UPDATE - 9.13 pm GMT - The Super Soppers are still working on a few problematic areas in the outfield that have raised concerns for the umpires. Additionally, dryers are being used to assist with the drying process. Live pictures show the two on-field umpires inspecting the outfield by pressing their toes into the turf. Stay tuned for further updates.

UPDATE - 8.57 pm GMT - Live visuals show the ground staff beginning to peel off the covers, with the two on-field umpires and the reserve umpire present in the middle. The Super Sopper is being used on the remaining covers before the square can be fully uncovered. There are some puddles in the outfield that the ground staff will need to address. The stumps have been erected, so the delay won’t be as long as we initially anticipated.

UPDATE - 8.41 pm GMT - Positive news! The rain has eased, but the covers are still in place. Given the intensity of the downpour, it will take some time for the ground staff to remove the excess water from the covers and mop up the outfield. Stick around for more news.

UPDATE - 8.18 pm GMT - Argh! The drizzle has picked up, and the ground staff are rushing in with the covers. There is lightning in the distance as more covers are being brought on by the ground staff in anticipation of a heavier bout of rain. Let's hope the wind stays strong and clears away those dark clouds. Remember, we have already used up the 60 minutes of extra time, so, if and when the play resumes, it will be a shortened game.

Fuller and on off, Reeza Hendricks eases it to the right of the point fielder.

Fires this one short, on leg, Reeza Hendricks hangs deep in the crease and looks to play it out but misses and gets hit on the back pad.

SIX! Reeza Hendricks gets into the act now! Short and wide on off, Reeza Hendricks rocks back, picks the length right and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie. South Africa getting the much-needed move-on!

Oh no, clouds are gathering in the east, and it has started to drizzle. For now, we continue as Akeal Hosein begins his third over.

Shorter in length and over off, Ryan Rickelton stands tall for the pull but the ball just shoots off the deck and Rickelton fails to ride the extra bounce and wears it on the glove.

Follows up with a good delivery, angling it back into the left-hander, on a length and over middle and off, Ryan Rickelton looks to pull but is way too early on the shot.

SIX! Even better this time! Just what South Africa needed! Matthew Forde bowls this on a fuller length, on middle and leg, with the angle coming back in, Ryan Rickelton steps out and clubs it over mid on for a biggie.

FOUR! Gets it right this time does Ryan Rickelton! First boundary for South Africa! This is on a shorter length on middle, Ryan Rickelton swivels back and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Just over the pegs! Forde bowls the inswinger, on a length around off and gets the ball to jag back in sharp to beat Ryan Rickelton on all ends. The ball whizzes over the stumps as Rickelton looks to whip it across the line.

Forder lands it full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton with no foot movement looks for the drive away from the body but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A tad shorter in length, over off, Reeza Hendricks hangs back and punches it to cover.

Goes full does Hosein, on middle and off, Reeza Hendricks rocks on the back foot and checks his shot to cover off the outer half of the bat.

Sees the batter back away does Akeal and follows him, on a nagging length, Ryan Rickelton hangs back and tucks it with the turn to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a nagging length, over off, Reeza Hendricks mistimes his punch to right of mid off for a single.

Darts this full and on off, Reeza Hendricks looks for the big slog sweep but misses it onto his pads.

Nicely bowled! Offers some more flight and gets good revs on this one, on a fuller length and just around off, Reeza Hendricks looks to play at it across the line but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Solid start from the hosts! Forde bowls this on a length and on off, Reeza Hendricks tucks it to mid on for a single.

Straight on the money, fuller in length than the previous one, on middle and off, Reeza Hendricks punches it to the right of the bowler off the inner half of the bat.

Beaten! Forde gets the ball to shape away from a good length just around off, Reeza Hendricks pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A half-hearted appeal for LBW from Matthew Forde! Bowls this on a hard length on middle and leg, Reeza Hendricks covers the line and looks to tuck it away but the ball nips back to ping him on the front pad.

Switches to over the wicket angle for the right-hander. Bowls it on a nagging length with the angle coming in, over middle and leg, Reeza Hendricks punches it down the track.

Starts from around the wicket, from wider on the crease as well. Angles this one into the hips, on a length, Ryan Rickelton tucks it to the left of mid on and gets a single.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be the right-arm seamer, Matthew Forde.

Good start from Akeal Hosein and West Indies! Just the 3 runs off the first over. This is nice and full, on off, Reeza Hendricks pushes it back to the bowler off the inner half of the bat.

Quicker this time, fuller and on off, Reeza Hendricks punches it off the back foot but straight to cover.

Turning in, on a nagging length, over middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton pats it in front of long on for another single.

Digs this in short and on middle, Reeza Hendricks pushes it to long on and gets a single.

Bowls the arm-ball from around the wicket and darts this full, on off, Reeza Hendricks punches it to mid off.

Ryan Rickelton and South Africa are underway! Akeal Hosein starts from over the wicket and bowls it full, getting the ball to turn back into the left-hander on middle, Rickelton tucks it to mid-wicket and gets a single.

After an hour's delay, we are all set for the action to start. Blue skies and blazing sunshine greet the two umpires as they make their way out to the middle, followed by the players of West Indies. Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks stride out to open the innings for South Africa. West Indies are starting with spin in the form of Akeal Hosein. A slip in place. Here we go!

PITCH REPORT - Nikhil Uttamchandani is near the deck. He begins by praising the ground staff for their swift work in preparing the field after 40 minutes of steady rain. He also shares an intriguing observation - the team batting first during this series has scored at an average of 6 runs per over during the Powerplay, while the team batting second has managed to score at 12 runs per over. Samuel Badree joins him and notes that while this is a different surface, it resembles the pitch used in the first two T20Is. He speculates that despite its dry appearance, the pitch, having been under covers, may retain some moisture. Badree highlights that the average first-innings score in winning matches at this venue has been 182, suggesting South Africa should aim for around 200 to set a challenging target. He also emphasizes the importance of bowling at a length between 6 to 8 meters and using variations in pace to be effective

Aiden Markram, the skipper of South Africa says they will try and get off to a good start and do better than the last time. Adds that they hope they don't lose wickets in clusters, assess the conditions and take the right options. Concludes that they have two changes and Jason Smith will make his debut while Wiaan Mulder comes into the side.

The stand-in captain of West Indies, Roston Chase says that the surface plays slow and sticky upfront so want to utilise that and restrict South Africa. Tells that they want to go up in the rankings and therefore, each game is important. Adds that they handed a whitewash before the World Cup and it will be nice if they can do it again. Informs that they have made three changes.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith (On T20I debut) (In for Rassie van der Dussen), Wiaan Mulder (In for Donovan Ferreira), Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams, Kwena Maphaka.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Roston Chase (C), Shimron Hetmyer (In for Rovman Powell), Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen (In for Sherfane Rutherford), Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy (In for Shamar Joseph).

TOSS - A change in captaincy for West Indies as Roston Chase has walked out for the toss instead of Rovman Powell. Roston Chase wins the coin flip and West Indies have decided to BOWL first.

UPDATE - 7.28 pm GMT - Exciting news, everyone! We have a start time! The toss will take place at 7.40 pm GMT with the first ball to be bowled at 8 pm GMT, weather permitting. It will be a full 20-over-a-side contest.

UPDATE - 7.11 pm GMT - As anticipated, the drizzle has ceased, and the ground staff are about to start removing the covers. Meanwhile, the South African players are on the field, engaging in their warm-up drills. Stay tuned as we should not be far away from some action. 

UPDATE - 7.04 pm GMT - Not a great sight indeed. The covers were just being removed when a light drizzle returned, prompting the groundstaff to put them back in place. Despite the drizzle, the sun is still shining brightly, and it looks like this might be the last bit of rain before we see some action. Stay tuned for further updates.

Shai Hope is in for a flash interview. He says that they have played some pretty good cricket and being consistent has been their main focus. Adds that they have the belief and the skills to do it. Tells that he has set high standards for himself and is always striving to do better. Mentions that the hard work done off the field is now showing positive results.

UPDATE - 6.50 pm GMT - Good news! The rain has stopped, and the ground staff have made their way out to the middle. They will first deal with the water on the covers using the Super Sopper before removing them completely. The sun is shining, which should help dry up the outfield. As observed during the series opener, once the rain ceased, it didn't take the ground staff long to prepare the field for play. Stick around for further updates.

Reeza Hendricks is up for a chat. He says that the last game was disappointing and a lot of talk has gone on where they can improve and what can be done right. Adds that it's never ideal to lose wickets in clusters and they hope to put performances and build partnerships. On his own game, he says he is trying to keep it all simple, assess the conditions, and play accordingly.

UPDATE - 6.31 pm GMT - Oh no, this isn’t the start we were hoping for. Unfortunately, it is raining, and the toss has been officially delayed. Ian Bishop informs us that it's been raining in Tarouba since early morning. The ground staff were active about 20 minutes ago, but the rain returned, halting their efforts. He also mentions that we have a 60-minute buffer before we start losing overs. Surprisingly, the sun has peeked through the clouds. Let's hope the rain subsides soon.

South Africa, despite flashes of brilliance, have struggled to sustain momentum and seize key moments. The batting collapse in the previous match may have dented their confidence, but the Proteas are a team capable of turning the tide, even with a relatively inexperienced squad. Their bowlers will be keen to make a decisive impact, while the batters look to regain their rhythm and finish the series on a positive note. Stick around as the toss is just moments away.

West Indies have been a commanding force throughout this series, displaying confidence and intensity that underscore their dominance. Their top order has been in blistering form and have delivered truly impactful performances. But it's not just the batters who have shined, the bowlers have been equally impressive, showing remarkable composure and playing a crucial role in the team's success. Known for their aggressive and electrifying brand of cricket, West Indies will be determined to put on another powerhouse display and secure a 3-0 sweep.

Hello and a warm welcome to the finale game of this 3-match series between West Indies and South Africa, coming to you from the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. With the series already clinched after two emphatic victories, West Indies will be eyeing a triumphant clean sweep. However, the Proteas, fueled by pride and the desire to end on a high, will be fighting tooth and nail to avoid a whitewash.

... MATCH DAY ...

The finalists of the 2024 T20 World Cup, South Africa, have already conceded an unassailable lead to the West Indies in this T20I series, and they’ll be eager to avoid a humiliating clean sweep in the Caribbean. To be fair, the Proteas are fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, but their recent performances should still have been better, especially given their impressive showing on the biggest stage not long ago. In the previous match, South Africa found themselves in a strong position at 83/3, chasing 180, but a shocking batting collapse saw them fall to 149 all out. That collapse will have dented their confidence, but they'll be motivated to end their Caribbean tour on a high. Youngster Ryan Rickelton is an exciting talent at the top of the order, known for his aggressive style, while Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks can anchor and accelerate when needed. Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira provide additional firepower in the lower order. On the bowling front, Ottneil Baartman has been a consistent performer, and Lizaad Williams proved his worth after a long hiatus. Kwena Maphaka will need to step up his game, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder could come in to bolster the pace attack. West Indies, meanwhile, will be brimming with confidence, having avenged their World Cup defeat to South Africa - a loss that had cost them a place in the knockouts. This time, the Windies have the upper hand, showcasing their experience on the field. Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope delivered explosive half-centuries in the opening game, while Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford unleashed their flair in the second match, pushing their team to victory. Alick Athanaze is also finding his footing in the shorter format, adding depth to the batting. With Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde leading the pace attack effectively and Romario Shepherd providing balance with his all-around abilities, the Windies look formidable. Their spin duo, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein, have the potential to be game-changers on any given night. The West Indies see this as a golden opportunity to complete a clean sweep and build momentum, while the Proteas will be desperate to put up a fight and salvage some pride. Who will have the final say in this thrilling series? Stay tuned to find out!