Listen to this article

Stand-in captain Brandon King led the West Indies to a 28-run victory over South Africa in the first Twenty20 International of a three-match series in Kingston on Thursday. King’s impressive knock of 79 runs off 45 balls, featuring six sixes and six boundaries, propelled the West Indies to a total of 175-8 in their 20 overs.

South Africa, in reply, could only muster 147 all out despite Reeza Hendricks’ career-best 87 off 51 balls, which included six sixes and six fours. The Proteas’ chase faltered early when star opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed for just four in the first over. They struggled to build momentum, reaching only 77 runs by the halfway mark and losing wickets regularly thereafter.

West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie played a crucial role in dismantling the South African middle order, finishing with figures of 3-25, including the key wicket of South African captain Rassie van der Dussen for 17. Fast bowler Matthew Forde, in only his second T20 international, claimed 3-27, including the wickets of De Kock and Hendricks, the latter coming off successive deliveries in the final over.

Brandon King registered his 10th international half-century. He formed a pivotal 79-run partnership with Kyle Mayers (34 off 25 balls) for the second wicket, which took the West Indies to a strong position of 109-1 after 10 overs. South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo attempted to stem the flow with figures of 3-28, removing King, Andre Fletcher, and Fabian Allen in quick succession.

Debutant fast bowler Ottniel Baartman also performed admirably, taking 3-26 and accounting for Johnson Charles, Akeal Hosein, and Forde. Despite these efforts, the West Indies managed to post a challenging total, thanks to Roston Chase’s steady 32 off 30 deliveries, remaining unbeaten.

The series continues with the second and third games also set to be played in Kingston on Saturday and Sunday, ahead of the T20 World Cup co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States starting on June 1.

Share this post!