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West Indies secure narrow win against South Africa in thrilling T20 match

Jan 31, 2026, 9:47 PM20
(Update: Feb 1, 2026, 5:35 AM)
cricketer
island region in the Caribbean
country in southern Africa
largest city in South Africa

West Indies secure narrow win against South Africa in thrilling T20 match

  • Rain shortened the match to 10 overs per side at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.
  • Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope both scored 48 runs, propelling the West Indies to 114 runs.
  • The West Indies' victory serves as preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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Story

The West Indies claimed a narrow victory over South Africa in a T20 International match that was significantly impacted by rain at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. After a nearly two-hour rain delay, the match was reduced to a 10-over format per side, drastically changing the game's dynamics. The West Indies, batting first, reached a total of 114 runs for three wickets, thanks to outstanding performances from Shimron Hetmyer and captain Shai Hope, both scoring 48 runs. This offensive onslaught included a total of 10 sixes, showcasing their aggressive batting style. South Africa's target was set to 125 runs by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, putting them under pressure from the start as they began their innings. Despite a quick start, the South African batting lineup faltered against the West Indies' effective spin attack led by Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein. As wickets tumbled, South Africa's chances of victory dwindled, culminating in a tense final over needing 16 runs to win. The South African team fought bravely, but they fell short at 118 runs for six wickets, thus losing the match by a mere six runs. This match was particularly notable as it came after South Africa had already clinched the three-match series with two victories prior to this game. The win for the West Indies serves as a much-needed morale booster as they prepare to head into the T20 World Cup, where their campaign starts with a match against Scotland on February 7. For South Africa, their first match in the tournament is against Canada on February 9. Given the unpredictable weather and the adjustments made, this game highlights the importance of adaptability in T20 cricket; teams must remain versatile and ready to change their strategies in response to unforeseen circumstances, such as rain interruptions. The results of this match could also provide vital experience for both teams going into the upcoming World Cup, where every match can be as intense as this one was.

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