/sportsinfo/media/member_avatars/image 59.png)
Follow Us/sportsinfo/media/media_files/jqjPLplzMvVQUNqPOA3U.jpg)
Nicholas Pooran (Source-ESPNCricinfo)
West Indies made a winning start to the short T20I series against South Africa on Friday. Nicholas Pooran was the star of the show as he scored an impressive 65 off just 26 balls with two fours and 7 sixes.
The left-handed batter hit four successive sixes to destroy Nandre Burger’s night. The incident took place in the 12th over of the innings with the mat game evenly poised. Nicholas Pooran hit the third ball of the over for a huge six over the long-off region.
Nicholas Pooran smashed 4 sixes in a row against South Africa. 🫡⚡pic.twitter.com/yw5p5bD93r
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 24, 2024
In the very next ball, Nandre Burger bowled a full toss which travelled the distance for a second six in two balls. The third six came via a straight shot down the ground over the bowler's head. Nandre Burger then bowled a full ball which was smashed over Long-on to make it 25 runs off the over.
West Indies dominate South Africa in the opening game
Rovman Powell won the toss and put South Africa in to bat first. The visiting side scored 174/7 from their 20 overs with Tristan Stubbs top scoring with 76. Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph struck early when they dismissed Ruan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks for four each.
Matthew Forde also got the big wicket of skipper Aiden Markram out for 14 off just 10 balls. Rassie Van Der Dussen could score only five before he was caught by Nicholas Pooran to give Joseph his 2nd wicket. Donovan Ferriera scored 8 but fell to Akeal Hossein to give the spinner his only wicket of the day.
From 42/5 the South Africans saw Tristan Stubbs and Patrick Kruger add 71 runs for the 6th wicket. Patrick Kruger scored 44 runs from just 32 balls with four boundaries and 2 sixes.
Needing 175 to win the game, West Indies opened with Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope. The pair added 84 runs in just 8 overs before Athanaze was out to Ottniel Baartman for 40 off 30 balls.
Shai Hope carried on to score 51 off 36 balls before perishing to give Baartman his second wicket. Kwena Maphaka who made his T20I debut got the wicket of Rovman Powell before the home team won the game by 7 wickets and 13 balls to play.