West Indies Edge South Africa in Rain-Affected Pink T20, But Lose Series 2-1

Johannesburg. West Indies defeated South Africa by 6 runs in the final T20 of the series, reduced to 10 overs due to bad weather and lightning fears. Although West Indies won the match held at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, South Africa, having won the first two matches, clinched the series 2-1.

Nature repeatedly interrupted this special match played for breast cancer awareness under the 'Pink T20' banner. The game, which started 75 minutes late due to lightning before the start, was initially set for 16 overs. After West Indies batted for 6 overs, the match was shortened to 10 overs due to further bad weather. West Indies scored 114 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 10 overs, but South Africa received a revised target of 125 runs in 10 overs based on the Duckworth-Lewis method.

For West Indies, Shimron Hetmyer played an explosive innings, remaining unbeaten on 48 runs off 22 balls with the help of 6 sixes. He came to bat on the field without a helmet or cap. Similarly, Shai Hope contributed 32 runs off 18 balls.

Chasing a huge target of 125 runs, South Africa could only manage 118 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 10 overs. Opener Quinton de Kock gave an aggressive start by scoring 19 runs in the first over, but he was dismissed for 23. In the middle order, Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis attempted to hit big shots, but spinner Gudakesh Motie brought the game under West Indies' control by dismissing both in the same over. With 27 runs needed in the last two overs for victory, Tristan Stubbs raised some hope.

When 15 runs were required in the final over, debutant fast bowler Shamar Joseph secured the West Indies victory by bowling accurate yorkers. He kept South Africa under pressure by uprooting Jason Smith's stumps.

On the last ball, when 8 runs were needed, Corbin Bosch could only manage one run. During his shot attempt, Bosch's bat even broke, and the team also faced a 'short run' penalty for forgetting to touch the crease in haste.