In a thrilling finale, West Indies completed a clean sweep against South Africa in their T20 series, clinching the third match with a commanding victory. The match, which was delayed by rain and shortened to 13 overs per side, saw Nicholas Pooran deliver a performance that left South African bowlers reeling and secured a dominant win for his team.
A Rain-Interrupted Clash
The final T20 match of the series started with a significant delay due to rain, which pushed the start time by 70 minutes and led to a reduction in overs from 20 to 13 per side. Despite the challenging conditions, South Africa managed to post a competitive total of 108 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 13 overs.
Nicholas Pooran Lights Up the Chase
West Indies needed 109 runs to win, and Nicholas Pooran wasted no time in making his intentions clear. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to clear the boundaries, Pooran took charge of the chase with an explosive 35 runs off just 13 balls. His innings included four towering sixes and two boundaries, showcasing his exceptional power-hitting skills. Pooran’s aggressive approach set a relentless pace for the innings, making it nearly impossible for South Africa to mount a successful defense.
Quick Fire from Pooran and Partners
Pooran’s partnership with Shai Hope was instrumental in West Indies’ chase. The duo put on a brisk 58-run stand for the second wicket. Pooran’s innings came to an end, but not before he had set the stage for a comfortable finish. His departure was a mere formality in the face of the damage he had already inflicted.
Following Pooran’s departure, Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer continued the onslaught. Hope remained unbeaten with 42 runs off 24 balls, striking at an impressive 175, while Hetmyer also contributed significantly with an unbeaten 31 runs off 17 balls at a strike rate of 182.35. Their combined efforts ensured that West Indies won the match by 8 wickets with 22 balls to spare.
Series Sweep and Historical Context
This victory marks a remarkable achievement for West Indies, as they have now secured a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 series against South Africa. This win adds to their impressive record, as it represents their second consecutive clean sweep in a 3-match T20 series against South Africa. Over the past 17 months, West Indies have won 8 out of the 10 T20 matches played against South Africa, underscoring their dominance in this format.
