South Africa showed composure under pressure to secure a three-wicket victory over West Indies in a rain-affected Super Eights match in Antigua. The win ensured their place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. The game at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium saw a back-and-forth battle between the two teams before South Africa successfully chased down the revised target using the DLS method.
South Africa opted to bowl first and limited West Indies to 135-8 in their 20 overs, with Tabraiz Shamsi taking three wickets. Rain interrupted South Africa’s chase, with the target adjusted to 123 from 17 overs. Despite losing key wickets, South Africa remained on course for victory until a late surge from the West Indian bowlers put them under pressure.
One costly over from Gudakesh Motie turned the tide back in South Africa’s favor as they steadily approached the target. With the lower order batsmen feeling the weight of expectation, it was left to Marco Jansen to hit the winning six off Obed McCoy’s delivery in the final over.
Despite the tense moments, Shamsi expressed that there was no pressure on the team, and the players remained calm throughout the game. Captain Aiden Markram also spoke of the relief in the team following their semifinal qualification after 10 years, emphasizing the need to bring their best performance in the upcoming crucial match against the Group 1 runners-up. South Africa will now prepare to face the second-placed team from the opposite group in the semifinals.