Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed a batting masterclass as South Africa demolished West Indies by 9 wickets on Thursday, scripting the second-largest successful chase of 150+ runs in T20 World Cup annals during a crucial Super-8 encounter.
Opting to set a total after the toss loss, West Indies imploded spectacularly. At 83 for 7, all hopes rested on Holder-Shepherd heroics. Holder’s 49 (31 balls, 4×4, 3×6) and Shepherd’s unbeaten 52 (37 balls, 3×4, 4×6) forged an 89-run partnership, dragging the score to a respectable 176/8.
South Africa’s pace battery fired on all cylinders. Ngidi’s 3/?? led the charge, with Rabada and Bosch bagging 2 wickets apiece, ensuring West Indies never settled.
Chasing 177, Markram and de Kock unleashed fury. Their 95-run powerplay blitz featured de Kock’s explosive 47 (24 balls). Post his dismissal, Markram (82* off 46, 7×4, 4×6) and Rickelton (45* off 28, 4×4, 2×6) cruised home in 16.1 overs. Roston Chase’s lone wicket was scant consolation for WI.
Historically, this slots as the second-best chase win after three 10-wicket hauls: Pak vs Ind (2021), Eng (2022), and NZ vs UAE (2026). South Africa’s blend of bowling discipline and chasing prowess signals title aspirations in the T20 World Cup.
