New Delhi: Co-hosts West Indies are currently at a precarious spot in the Group 2 points table of the T20 World Cup 2024 and are battling it out against South Africa in their final Super 8 clash at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The Caribbean although have a superior net run rate (NRR) than the Proteas but a win in the match would strengthen their semifinal chances and a win to the Aiden Markram-led side will see them in the semis.
Nonetheless, West Indies were invited to bat first and while setting up the target for the visitors, overtook a giant record that was long held by Australia in the T20 World Cup history. Shai Hope, who opened the innings with new add-up Kyle Mayers, departed on a golden duck and Nicholas Pooran followed him in the very next over. It was the stand 81-run stand between Mayers and Roston Chase for the third wicket that revived the West Indies innings and helped them post 135/8 in 20 overs.
Mayers scored 35 laced with three fours and two sixes while Chase smashed 52 runs inclusive of three fours and two sixes as well. The team had little contributions from Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph who hit two and a six respectively and this total tally of seven sixes has taken West Indies ahead of Australia in the list of most sixes in a single T20 World Cup edition.
Most sixes in a single T20 World Cup edition
62 – West Indies in 2024
57 – Australia in 2010
49 – West Indies in 2012
43 – West Indies in 2016
42 – USA in 2024
Rain halts play in Antigua
When the game looked to cruise smoothly, the rain gods entered the match out of nowhere and it was suddenly a heavy downpour. The covers were dragged in as the groundstaff brought the complete ground under the sheets to save it from the pouring water. While it is great news for South Africa who will have their task cut out without bothering to chase 136 if the rain is persistent, West Indies will have their fingers crossed to get a full game and be up for the defense of the below-par score to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
After the two overs of the chase, South Africa are 15/2 with Andre Russell among the openers’ (Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks) wickets.
In their bid to confirm a semifinal berth, West Indies have broken Australia’s long held record in the T20 World Cup history in the Super 8 clash against South Africa in Antigua on Sunday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
