DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

WEST INDIES have been left with an uphill task of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup, after plunging to their second straight defeat with a resounding eight-wicket loss to South Africa here on Tuesday.

The reigning champions were only able to muster 143 for eight off their 20 overs after being sent in and the Proteas chased down the target with 10 balls remaining at Dubai International Stadium.

Last weekend, West Indies suffered a six-wicket defeat to England at the same venue after a wretched batting display, which saw them bundled out for 55.

Needing a victory against South Africa to put their campaign back on course, West Indies squandered a solid start after Evin Lewis struck 56 off 35 deliveries to dominate a 73-run opening stand with Lendl Simmons (16).

The left-handed Lewis belted three fours and half-dozen sixes, but once he perished to the third ball of the 11th over, West Indies lost eight wickets for 70 runs to decline quickly.

Captain Kieron Pollard struck 26 from 20 balls down the order but was unable to revive his side’s fortunes, as fast bowler Dwaine Pretorius snared three for 27 and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, two for 24.

In reply, South Africa were set back by the early loss of captain Tamba Bavuma for two to the sixth delivery of the innings. But Aiden Markram struck an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls and Rassie van der Dussen, an unbeaten 43 off 51 deliveries, to rescue the run chase.

Van der Dussen put on 57 for the second wicket with Reeza Hendricks, who made 39 off 30 balls, before adding a further 83 in an unbroken third wicket stand with Markram, who counted two fours and four sixes in his fifth T20I half-century.