West Indies’ wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran showcased an outstanding performance to help his side take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. The opening T20I was held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on August 24, Saturday.
In terms of the game, West Indies skipper Rovman Powell won the toss and invited the tourists to bat first. South Africa, without several of their regular players, struggled from the start of the first innings. Matthew Forde provided an early breakthrough for West Indies, dismissing opener Ryan Rickelton for just four runs in the second over. The right-arm medium bowler struck again in the fourth over and sent back captain Aiden Markram for 14 runs.
Later, Tristan Stubbs showcased his prowess and stitched a crucial 71-run partnership with Patrick Kruger for the sixth wicket. Kruger fell for 44 off 32 deliveries, allowing Forde to claim his third wicket in the game. Stubbs, on the other hand, continued his power hitting but fell to Romario Shepherd in the penultimate delivery. He amassed a stunning 76 off just 42 deliveries, including eight boundaries and three maximums to help his side post a competitive target of 174 in 20 overs. Shamar Joseph also provided significant contributions for the hosts, picking up two wickets.
Meanwhile, the target seemed out of reach as the West Indies’ top three batters dominated the game, and successfully chased down the target in 17.5 overs. In pursuit of the 175-run target, West Indies made a flying start with Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope forming an 84-run opening stand. However, both were dismissed by South African seamer Ottneil Baartman, with Athanaze scoring 40 from 30 balls and Hope contributing 51 from 36 balls.
The Proteas gave a debut to the 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka. Maphaka, who became the youngest player to appear in a T20 International for his country, picked up his first wicket by dismissing Powell for 7, with the skipper being caught at cover.
Nicholas Pooran then smacked an unbeaten 65 off 26 deliveries and led his side to chase down the target with 13 balls to spare. The wicketkeeper-batter’s explosive performance, featuring seven sixes and two fours, wrapped up the innings in style. His outstanding effort also earned him the Player of the Match award.
The second T20I of the series will take place at the same venue on Sunday, August 25.
