Dubai: South Africa beat defending champions West Indies by eight wickets in their second Super 12 match of the ICC T20 World Cup here Tuesday. West Indies opener Evin Lewis (56, 35b, 3×4, 5×6) struck a fine half century. However, his teammates failed to contribute much after the departure of Lewis. Skipper Kieron Pollard (26, 20b, 2×4, 1×6) added some valuable runs at the end, but it was not enough as the Proteas restricted the Windies to 143 for eight in 20 overs.
Chasing a victory target of 144, South Africa were never in any problem and cantered home with 10 balls to spare. Aiden Makram (51 n o, 26b, 2×4, 4×6) and Rassie van der Dussen (43 n o, 51b, 3×4) added 83 runs during their unbeaten stand for the third wicket to script the victory for their side. Earlier opener Reeza Hendricks (39, 30b, 4×4, 1×6) set up the base for the victory with a fine knock.
Earlier when West Indies batted Dwaine Pretorius (3/17) emerged the best bowler for South Africa. Spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/24) supported him well, while pacers Kagiso Rabada (1/27), Anrich Nortje (1/14) accounted for one batter each.
The second successive loss for the defending champions certainly puts them in a spot of bother. South Africa on the other hand kept their chances alive in the tournament after having lost their opener to Australia by five wickets.
Brief Scores:
West Indies: 143 for 8 (Evin Lewis 56, Kieron Pollard 26; Dwaine Pretorius 3/17, Keshav Maharaj 2/24) lost to South Africa: 144 for 2 in 18.2 overs (Aiden Markram 52 n o, Rassie van der Dussen 43 n o) by eight wickets.
