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HopeS Late Flourish Not Enough as Lightning Disrupts West Indies’ T20 Finale Against South africa
A rain-affected third and final T20 International saw West Indies post a total of 114-3 in a reduced 10-over contest against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday evening, despite a spirited late-order push led by captain Shai Hope-captain.
The match was substantially disrupted by inclement weather, with lightning in the vicinity of the venue causing a 75-minute delay to the start of play. Play was further suspended after the six-over Power Play-period of play. The interruptions ultimately led to a 10-overs-per-side match, adding complexity to South Africa’s subsequent chase.
Hope anchored the innings with a quickfire 48 from 25 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent. He was initially unbeaten on 38 from 19 deliveries at the second stoppage, having struck three fours and three sixes. Resuming with just four overs remaining, Hope added a six off Keshav Maharaj-bowler before being dismissed, caught by Corbin Bosch-fielder.
Shimron Hetmyer-batsman proved to be a crucial contributor, remaining unbeaten on 48 from 22 balls, including a remarkable six sixes. Hetmyer’s aggressive hitting put critically important pressure on the South African bowlers, particularly Maharaj, who finished with figures of 2-0-38-0. “The spinners were under immediate pressure from the outset,” a source noted.
Earlier, Rovman Powell-batsman contributed 13 runs off seven balls, including two sixes, before falling to Kwena Maphaka-bowler.The South African spinners, Aiden Markram-bowler and maharaj, endured a challenging start, conceding 18 runs from their combined single over before the initial interruption. Bosch-fielder provided some control at the death, conceding just 10 runs from 11 balls in two remarkably frugal overs.
The West Indies innings also saw the early dismissal of opener Johnson Charles-batsman, who was caught by Jason Smith-fielder off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi-bowler.
South Africa entered the contest with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having secured victories in the first two matches in Paarl and centurion. the match also held importance beyond the field,with the Proteas donning their annual pink kit for “Pink Day,” raising funds for the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg and promoting breast cancer awareness.
The teams lined up as follows:
South Africa: Aiden Markram-captain, Quinton de Kock-wkt, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi
West Indies: Shai Hope-captain/wkt, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein
With a revised
