T20 World Cup: Aiden Markram fires South Africa to victory over West Indies

South Africa recorded a fine victory over defending champions West Indies by eight wickets on Tuesday in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. A fantastic half-century by Aiden Markram ensured the Proteas got over the line to record their first win of the campaign. It was also the quickest half-century of the tournament so far. Markram was involved in a steady partnership of 81 runs with Rassie van der Dussen, a sight South Africa fans will look at and rejoice. West Indies were the first to bat on the day and they made 143-8 in 20 overs. South Africa chased down the target with ease, recording 144-2 on the board in 18.2 overs. It will be a confidence-boosting victory for the men in green after a disappointing loss in their first match in the tournament.

MARKRAM IN OUTSTANDING FORM

Markram was in blistering form heading into the tournament as he played brilliantly in the preceding Indian Premier League (IPL). The South African batter was the aggressor in a brilliant partnership with van der Dussen, scoring 51 runs off just 26 deliveries. The innings included two boundaries and four maximums.

Van der Dussen’s knock might have been a frustrating one for several Proteas fans, but he was the one who gave stability to the batting and allowed Markram to play his natural game. The veteran scored 43 runs off 51 deliveries in a knock that included three boundaries. Opening batter Reeza Hendricks also played a brilliant knock as he scored 39 runs off 30 deliveries to give the men in green a good start to the chase.

The West Indies will have a lot of questions, especially regarding their bowling attack. Akeal Hosein was the only one that picked a wicket for the defending champions on the day as he dismissed Hendricks. Shimron Hetmyer took a brilliant catch to dismiss the South African opener. Hosein ended with figures of 1-27 in four overs.

The Windies had a decent start to the first innings with the bat, with opener Evin Lewis making a fine half-century. Lewis scored 56 runs off 35 deliveries in an innings that included three boundaries and six maximums. Apart from Lewis, no one really got a meaningful score on the board for the defending champions. Skipper Kieron Pollard played a decent cameo, making 26 runs off 20 deliveries.

PRETORIUS PICKS THREE WICKETS, NORTJE CONCEDES JUST 14 RUNS IN FOUR OVERS

The Proteas can be mighty pleased with their bowling performance on the day. The pick of the bowlers certainly was Dwayne Pretorius. Pretorius picked three wickets in just two overs, conceding 17 runs in the process. Keshav Maharaj bagged a couple of wickets in four overs and gave away only 24 runs. Pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje were among the wickets as well as they picked one each. Nortje was exceptional as he only conceded 14 runs in his four overs and was eventually awarded the player of the match award.