Aiden Markram led South Africa to a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first Twenty20 international at Boland Park on Tuesday.
The South African captain’s unbeaten 86 off 47 balls, featuring
nine fours and three sixes, helped the hosts chase down a challenging West Indian total of 173 for seven with 13 balls to spare.
An opening partnership of 83 off 47 balls with Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 44, set the stage before Ryan Rickelton joined Markram and contributed an unbeaten 40 in a second-wicket stand of 93 off 62 balls.
This three-match series serves as the final preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
South Africa rested several players who participated in the SA20 franchise final on Sunday, including first-choice opening batsman Quinton de Kock.
In De Kock’s absence, Pretorius, who is not part of the World Cup squad, opened the innings.
Markram expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s depth.
“There are a few players not here tonight who are very talented. It’s taken a few years to get to this point. Many players are stepping up, and it’s a positive environment,” he said.
Shimron Hetmyer scored 48 off 32 balls for the West Indies, but no other batsman reached 30. Captain Roston Chase acknowledged the total was below expectations.
“We lacked significant partnerships. Players got in but failed to score 60 or 70. Additionally, our bowling in the powerplay was poor,” said Chase, who stood in for tour captain Shai Hope, who had a knee injury.
South African left-arm spinner George Linde was named man of the match, taking three for 25. He shared the new ball, bowled the last over, dismissed Hetmyer and Jason Holder, and conceded only five runs.
(With Agency Inputs)
