Fri | Mar 29, 2024

New skipper Powell leads WI to victory over SA in first T20

Published:Saturday | March 25, 2023 | 1:59 PM
Rovman Powell
Rovman Powell

CENTURION, South Africa (AP):

New West Indies captain Rovman Powell launched five sixes in his 43 not out from 18 balls to lead them to victory in a rain-shortened first Twenty20 game against South Africa on Saturday.

Powell took West Indies charging to a three-wicket win in a game reduced to 11 overs a side after the start was delayed by rain in Centurion.

South Africa were asked to bat first and made 131 runs for eight wickets in their 11 overs. West Indies made it to 132 for seven with three balls to spare.

It was a steep target, and West Indies needed to go at a run rate of 12 an over to win.

Opener Brandon King set the tourists on their way with 23 from eight balls, but it was Powell, in his first game since being appointed T20 captain, who really pushed the accelerator to get West Indies over the line for the lead in the three-game series.

Powell also hit the winning runs, smashing a short ball from Wayne Parnell over square leg for a six to level the scores and then taking an easy single next ball for the victory.

South Africa’s testing total was largely down to 21 off 12 from opener Reeza Hendricks and then a quick-fire 48 off 22 from David Miller at the end.

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.