West Indies stand-in captain Brandon King and head coach Darren Sammy expressed immense satisfaction with their team’s performance following a dominant eight-wicket victory over South Africa, completing a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series at Sabina Park.
King, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Rovman Powell, praised the team’s execution and the contributions from key players. “I am extremely happy after winning all three games, and I could not have asked for a better result. We had some consistent performers, with [Gudakesh] Motie being outstanding with the ball, and in every game, someone contributed with the bat, especially the top order,” King said.
Coach Darren Sammy echoed King’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s effective role play and readiness for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “The role play was excellent from the players. The openers, the batters in the middle, and also being effective with the ball in the power play. I am pleased that the guys went out and understood their specific roles, and that is testament to the work we have been doing,” Sammy stated.
Dominant batting display
Chasing a target of 164, the West Indies’ batting line-up delivered a commanding performance. Johnson Charles led the charge with an explosive 69 off just 26 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and five towering sixes. His innings set the tone for the chase, with Brandon King contributing a crucial 44 from 28 balls, including two fours and four sixes. Kyle Mayers held his nerve to finish unbeaten on 36 from 23 balls.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a shaky start. Despite a valiant effort from skipper Rassie van der Dussen, who played a captain’s innings with a brisk 51, the Proteas struggled to build substantial partnerships. Wiaan Mulder’s late cameo of 36 helped guide the Proteas to a respectable total of 163 for seven at the end of their allotted 20 overs.
Obed McCoy, stepping in for the injured Jason Holder, was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies with figures of three for 39. Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie each finished with two wickets, further stifling the South African batting line-up.
Player recognitions
Johnson Charles was fittingly adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating innings. Gudakesh Motie, for his consistent performances with the ball throughout the series, was named the Player of the Series.
South Africa’s captain, Rassie van der Dussen, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “From a batting front, I think we needed to be braver, similar to how the West Indies played, especially in the power play. From a bowling point of view, we tried different things that didn’t seem to work, but we have to continue to try things to see what will work for us sooner rather than later,” van der Dussen said.
