WI VS SA 1ST T20I

Right then, the hosts, the West Indies have convincingly taken the lead by 1-0 in this three-match series. They were in command with the bat whereas the Proteas would like to go back to the drawing board and assess where things went wrong. However, the action in this 3-match T20I series on the Caribbean shores is far from over. The Brian Lara Cricket Academy of Tarouba will remain the exclusive venue for the remaining two T20Is as well. The second match will be played on Sunday, August 25th and the first ball will be bowled at 1900 GMT. But as you all know, our pre-match build-up starts way earlier. Do join us for that as well. Till then, take care, and cheers!

The captain of West Indies, Rovman Powell says that it is always good to take the lead in the series. Feels that some of the guys were rusty, which is unacceptable in a three-match series. Adds that they as a bowling and fielding group, should do better. Tells that the 2026 World Cup is too far away for them to think about. Further says that it is about taking one game at a time and having a look at different players.

Aiden Markram the skipper of South Africa is up for a chat. He says the ball was coming nicely when they batted and feels they fell around 10-15 runs short. Says the West Indian bowlers bowled really well. Adds the wicket was a bit tacky and got better to bat on as the game progressed. Appreciates Stubbs and Kruger for getting them to a good score. On being asked about Kwena Maphaka, he says that he has an X-Factor in him and is hungry to compete and feels that these are positive signs for the team.

Nicholas Pooran is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his explosive knock. He starts by thanking the Almighty. States that the openers did well to put the pressure on South Africa. Adds that his job was simpler and it was about keeping the momentum going. Shares that the wicket got better halfway through the South African innings but it was tricky at the start.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Earlier in the game, a rain delay lasting about an hour created favorable conditions for the bowlers. The added moisture caused the ball to swing and seam, making the West Indies' decision to bowl first after winning the toss a crucial advantage. Batters struggled to time their shots as the ball gripped the damp wicket. Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph capitalized on these conditions, swiftly dismantling South Africa's top and middle order. As the pitch slowed, the West Indies adapted their strategy, introducing three spinners to further stifle the scoring rate. However, just as the innings seemed to be faltering, an explosive 71-run partnership between Stubbs and Kruger, injected new life into the South African effort. Stubbs, who initially played a supporting role, accelerated his scoring in the latter part of his innings, providing the Proteas with much-needed momentum helping them to notch up 71 off the last 30.

South Africa, buoyed by their late batting surge, hoped to carry that momentum into their bowling performance. Resting out big names in both departments, South Africa strode without their key bowlers and had the challenging task of defending a good total. However, they faced an uphill battle as conditions shifted in favor of the batting side. The settling dew under the lights made the ball harder to grip, negating the assistance bowlers had enjoyed earlier. Additionally, the Proteas' fielding efforts were subpar, compounding their difficulties and the momentum further tilted against them. It never looked like the Proteas bowlers were in control and lacked efficiency through and through, leaking runs right, left, and center. Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka were the only successful bowlers for them, but they lacked support from the others.

The solid start of 84 runs from the openers gave the next guys a chance to find their feet without too much fuss. When Pooran joined Hope at the crease, they kept things ticking along nicely through the middle overs, never letting the run rate stagnate. Pooran then decided it was time to put the foot down, unleashing some serious fireworks. His blistering knock of 65 included 7 mammoth sixes and 2 fours at a monstrous strike rate of 250. Hope, meanwhile, played the perfect foil, holding down one end while keeping the scoreboard moving. Both men notched up their fifties, sending the Proteas on the ropes.

The West Indies win the series opener in a commanding fashion with 7 wickets in hand along with 13 balls to spare! A job well done by the hosts as they looked pretty relaxed with the bat throughout. On the other hand, South Africa would be really disappointed especially after the way they finished off with the bat towards the backend. Given the historical challenges of chasing at this venue and the average first innings score of 141, the West Indies needed a strong start with the bat and that's precisely what they delivered. Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze came out firing on all cylinders, launching an aggressive assault on the South African bowling attack from the very beginning. They capitalized on the Powerplay overs, amassing 75 runs and being unblemished.

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Roston Chase with the winning runs! Kwena Maphaka errs in line as this is too straight, on a back of a length, at the hips, Roston Chase gets inside the line and just tickles it fine. The ball beats the diving keeper, Ryan Rickelton to his left and it races away to the fence. West Indies win by 7 wickets and go 1-0 up in the series!

Roston Chase is the new man in for West Indies at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Kwena Maphaka roars in delight as he gets his maiden international wicket! Took a bit of tapping in the first over but has since fought back well. Maphaka delivers a full delivery with an upright seam, on off. Rovman Powell tries to force this one through the off side. Fails to get the elevation to clear the man there and hits it straight into the hands of Patrick Kruger at cover who takes a sharp catch.

OUT! TAKEN! Kwena Maphaka roars in delight as he gets his maiden international wicket! Took a bit of tapping in the first over but has since fought back well. Maphaka delivers a full delivery with an upright seam, on off. Rovman Powell tries to force this one through the off side. Fails to get the elevation to clear the man there and hits it straight into the hands of Patrick Kruger at cover who takes a sharp catch.

Honing in at the stumps, Rovman Powell shows the full face of the bat and pushes this full delivery back to the bowler.

Delivers it on a back of a length, around off, Rovman Powell hops and rides the bounce nicely to dab it towards backward point.

Maphaka steams in from around the wicket and nails the yorker, at the stumps, Rovman Powell gets his bat down in time and jams it out.

Baartman bowls a bumper now, over off and middle, Rovman Powell gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep backward square leg for just a single. Just 3 needed now.

Attacking the stumps, fuller in length, Nicholas Pooran shapes up to get underneath the delivery but fails to do so. Knocks it back past the bowler and crosses over.