Proteas start T20 World Cup preparations with strong victory over the West Indies in Paarl
While the batters brought the heat, George Linde’s tactical brilliance in the final over proved the difference at Boland Park. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: backpagepix
SOUTH Africa started their ICC T20 World Cup preparations in style with a commanding nine-wicket win over the West Indies at Boland Park in Paarl on Tuesday evening.
Captain Aiden Markram led from the front, producing an unbeaten 86 from 47 balls. It was his second T20I half-century in three matches and confirmed coach Shukri Conrad’s decision to open the innings with the skipper.
Markram’s innings was complemented by Ryan Rickelton, who was a late call-up to the squad after Tony de Zorzi’s injury, with a composed 40 not out from 32 balls. Together, the pair shared a 93-run partnership that effectively sealed the chase.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, filling in for a rested Quinton de Kock, contributed a rapid 44 off 28 balls, including four fours and a six, to provide an aggressive start. Pretorius added 83 runs in under eight overs with Markram before being caught attempting a sweep against Roston Chase.
Earlier, the West Indies had posted 173/7 after electing to bat first. Shimron Hetmyer led the visitors with 48 off 32 balls, forming a 74-run partnership with Rovman Powell to push the innings to a competitive total. The home side, however, kept the innings in check with Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch each taking two wickets, slowing the West Indies’ momentum.
George Linde’s performance at the death proved decisive.
Entrusted with the final over, Linde conceded just five runs while dismissing Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder, finishing with figures of 3/25. “I didn't feel good with the ball but I still tried to find a way to be effective for the team,” Linde said after the match.
“I have learnt through the year now that you don't have to fight it if you feel like that on the day. It is what it is, and you have to find a way to be good for the team.”
The Proteas’ bowlers restricted the West Indies to a chaseable total, conceding only 23 runs in the final three overs, allowing Markram and his teammates to approach their run chase with measured aggression.
Tuesday’s victory gives South Africa a strong start in the three-match series and an encouraging signal for their T20 World Cup campaign. The Proteas now move to the Highveld, with the second T20I scheduled for Friday at SuperSport Park, fully aware that a win there would secure the series.