West Indies Clinch T20I Series with Commanding Win Over South Africa

West Indies secured a 30-run victory against South Africa in the second T20I at Brian Lara Stadium, marking their third consecutive series win against the Proteas. Despite an impressive powerplay from South Africa, crucial wickets by Romario Shepherd and others thwarted their chase of a 180-run target.

West Indies clinched the T20I series against South Africa with a commanding 30-run victory in the second match at the Brian Lara Stadium. This marked the Caribbean side's third consecutive series win against the Proteas.

South Africa started the chase of 180 runs in explosive fashion, with Reeza Hendricks hitting boundaries at will. Despite losing Ryan Rickelton early, the Proteas raced to 67/1 within five overs. However, Romario Shepherd's strategic introduction in the final over of the powerplay turned the tide in favor of the West Indies.

Hendricks, aiming for a big hit off Shepherd, chopped a short-length delivery onto his stumps, departing with a rapid 44 off 18 balls. From then on, South Africa's momentum dwindled. Captain Aiden Markram and others succumbed to Shepherd's pace, and a partnership from Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen couldn't stave off the collapse.

Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie's spin brilliance compounded the visitors' troubles, reducing South Africa from 129/3 to 149 all out. Earlier, Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze set a solid platform before Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford's late blitz saw West Indies post 179/6.

The series concludes on Tuesday with the final T20I at the same venue. In the series opener, the hosts chased down South Africa's 174 comfortably, securing a 7-wicket win.

Brief Score: West Indies 179/6 (Shai Hope 41, Rovman Powell 35; Lizaad Williams 3-36) vs South Africa 149 (Reeza Hendricks 44; Shamar Joseph 3-31, Romario Shepherd 3-15).

(With inputs from agencies.)