West Indies registered a convincing 28-run victory over South Africa in the inaugural T20I. Windies started the 3-match series with a record (in terms of runs) win over the Proteas as they kicked off their World Cup preparations on a high note.
With few players unavailable due to the IPL or being rested, both sides went into the match without their first-choice XI and were led by stand-in skippers. This provided golden opportunities to Ottneil Baartman and Ryan Rickelton as they made their debut for South Africa, while Shamar Joseph made his maiden T20I appearance for the West Indies.
Brandon King leads from the front
West Indies were playing their first international game at Sabina Park in almost two years, and the visitors invited men in Maroon to bat first. Despite losing Johnson Charles for a mere 1 run, West Indies skipper, Brandon King, scored at a rapid pace and provided a solid foundation for the hosts, scoring 79 runs off 45 balls, smashing 6 sixes and fours each. 
Mayers and Roston Chase chipped in with 34 and 32 runs, respectively. However, the hosts failed to carry the momentum and lost a flurry of wickets in a jiffy in the second half of the innings, managing to post 175/8 in 20 overs. The debutant, Ottniel Baartman, shone with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs in his 4-over quota, while Phehlukwayo ended up with 3-fer as well.
Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie’s bowling prowess seal the deal for the hosts
In pursuit of 175 runs, South Africa got off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals from the word go. Reeza Hendricks tried to steady the ship and was the lone warrior for the visitors, scoring a career-best 87 runs off 51 balls, but lacked support from the other end. The Proteas continued to lose wickets regularly and were bundled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs. Apart from Hendricks, only Breetzke and Rassie van der Dussen reached double digits for the tourists.
Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie wreaked havoc with the ball, scalping three wickets each. Obed McCoy starred with 2/15. Roston Chase (1/12) and Shamar Joseph on debut picked up a wicket apiece and were very economical.
West Indies lead the 3-match T20I series 1-0 and both sides will go head-to-head on May 25 for the second T20I of the series at the same venue.
