Dubai, Oct 26 (Agency) Riding on a fine half-century by Aiden Markram, South Africa defeated the defending champions West Indies in a crucial Super 12 encounter of ICC T20 World Cup, here on Tuesday. Markram scored a brilliant 51 off 26 balls while chasing down 144 with 10 balls to spare after bowlers Dwaine Pretorius (3/17) and Keshav Maharaj (2/24) didn’t allow the Caribbean team to open up their arms.
The chase turned tricky for the Proteas after skipper Temba Bavuma was left stunned by a direct hit towards the bowling end by Andre Russell (2 off 3). However, Reeza Hendricks (39 off 30) and Rassie van der Dussen(43 off 51) soon got the Africans back in the game by adding 42 runs during the powerplay. Earlier in the first innings, Evin Lewis (56 off 35) played a fast inning for the West Indies, while from the other end Lendl Simmons (16 off 35) batted at a turtle pace after being sent in to bat first by the Proteas. The duo still managed to give a promising start to WI by adding 72 runs in the first 10 overs. However, Simmons slow-paced innings did come to haunt them back as Nichols Pooran (12 off 7), Chris Gayle (12 off 12), Andre Russell (5 off 4) lost their wickets in an attempt to make up for runs at the back 10. Kieron Pollard (26 off 20) turned crucial in taking West Indies past 140 but the total still wasn’t enough.