Feb 26 (Reuters) – Captain Aiden Markram struck an unbeaten 82 as South Africa moved to the verge of the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals with a commanding nine-wicket victory over West Indies in their Super Eights clash on Thursday.
Markram shared a 95-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock to help South Africa chase down a target of 177 with 23 balls to spare in Ahmedabad, lifting them to the top of Group One with four points after also beating defending champions India.
West Indies, who defeated Zimbabwe in their previous outing, must now beat India on Sunday to keep their last-four hopes alive.
“Whether I’m captain or not, opening is a responsibility,” Markram said. “We try to make sure the team gets off to a good start, especially on wickets like this, and hope to continue this.”
Put in to bat, West Indies slumped to 43-4 inside four overs as Kagiso Rabada (2-22) removed Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, while Lungi Ngidi dismissed Brandon King and had Roston Chase chop onto his stumps.
Ngidi (3-30) also accounted for Rovman Powell and, when Matthew Forde fell attempting to clear the ropes off Corbin Bosch, the two-time champions were reeling at 83-7.
However, Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd mounted a spirited recovery, combining for 89 runs for the eighth wicket. Shepherd’s unbeaten 52 from 37 balls helped West Indies post a competitive 176-8.
South Africa made a blistering start in reply, with De Kock smashing two sixes off Shamar Joseph as they raced to 69-0 at the end of the powerplay. De Kock fell for a 24-ball 47 to Roston Chase in the eighth over, but the momentum remained firmly with the Proteas.
Markram reached his half-century from 27 balls and found support from Ryan Rickelton, who struck three sixes in four deliveries to all but seal the contest. Markram finished with four sixes and seven fours in his 46-ball knock, sealing victory with a boundary as South Africa cruised to 177-1 in 16.1 overs.
“Everything will not be easy,” Hope said. “The way we play our cricket, there will be a loss. The aim was to get it out early. Next game will be a quarter-final.”
