Chase inspires Windies series win

IN A pulsating encounter at Sabina Park, the West Indies, on the back of a man-of-the-match performance from all-rounder Roston Chase, secured a workmanlike victory over South Africa in the T20 International series, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The home side scored the second-highest T20 total at Sabina Park, 207 for seven, before restricting the visitors to 191 for seven to land a 16-run win.

Opting to bat first, West Indies got off to a flying start with Brandon King leading from the front as he did in the opening encounter on Thursday.

King’s aggressive 36 off just 22 deliveries set the tone for the innings, supported by contributions from Kyle Mayers (32), Andre Fletcher (29), and Romario Shepherd (26). However, Chase’s blistering unbeaten 67 off 38 balls propelled West Indies to a formidable total on a Sabina Park wicket.

Chase’s calculated assault, including seven boundaries and two towering sixes, proved crucial in setting up a challenging target for the visitors.

The Barbadian right-hander scored his maiden T20 fifty for the regional side and shared in two half-century partnerships.

First, he put on 56 for the fourth wicket with Fletcher then added 63 with Romario Shepherd for the fifth.

There were two wickets each for Lungi Ngidi, debutant leg spinner Ngabayomzi Peter and Andile Phelukwayo.

In response, South Africa began their chase aggressively with Reeza Hendricks (34) and Quinton de Kock (41) providing a solid foundation. However, the West Indian bowlers fought back, led by Gudakesh Motie’s impressive spell of spin bowling.

Motie wreaked havoc on the South African batting lineup, claiming three crucial wickets and applying pressure on the opposition with accuracy and variation.

Despite a valiant effort from Rassie van der Dussen (30), South Africa fell short of the target, finishing at 191/7 in their 20 overs.

The West Indian bowlers maintained their composure in the face of mounting pressure, with Chase ending with one for 26 and Akeal Hosein one for 45 providing crucial breakthroughs at key moments.

“For the past two or three years the T20 team has been playing great cricket. I don’t think we are coming together as a puzzle; the puzzle has always been looking great but it is for us to keep the positive things going and always try to improve,” said Chase.

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock believes the margins were thin despite the defeat.

“The West Indies have been playing slightly better cricket than us and they have won the series but I believe if we had better execution in one or two things, it could have been different.

The teams will meet in the final game today starting at 2 p.m. at the same venue.