A man of phenomenon power, Powell took Proteas bowelers to the cleaners. Especially Bjorn Fortuin who conceded 42 runs in 2 overs spell.
Batting first, the Proteas men scored 131 runs in rain reduced 11 overs per side game. Quinton de Kock went for golden duck as top order failed to provided a flying start, wickets at regular intervals really halted South Africa’s scoring runrate.
Sheldon Cottrell and Odean Smith bowled well in their first spells, packing up innings of Reeze Hendricks, Rilee Rossouw, Heinrich Klaasen before taking punishement from David Miller who scored 22 balls 48.
It was really his innings that allowed South Africa to accumulate more than 50 runs in last three overs. Sisanda Magala showed his batting skills upto the line with 18 runs off 6 balls.
West Indies got the much needed start for huge chase, with Brandon King playing the boosting innings of 23 runs in 8 balls. Known for their power hitting ability, West Indies batters didn’t hold up going against Proteas bowelers who looked troubled with their line and trust because of successful counter attack by West Indies batters.
Within the six overs, that posted 84 runs on board which made them require only 48 runs in the next 5 overs. Rovman Powell had the opportunity to lead the team from front as a captain and he made mistake in doing so.
Magala impressed with his bowling team and opened a small window of opportunity for Proteas when he dismissed Odean Smith and Akeal Hosein on successive deliveries in the 10th over.
He was so close to taking a hat-trick but he missed the chance by a bare margin or it can be said that West Indies were fortunate because they got another lucky boundary in the same over which one other day, could have gotten in the hands of a fielder.
Wayne Parnell who didn’t have best of his day, was asked to defend 8 runs in the final over. But Rovman Powell was too good in a form to let go South Africa victorious from that situation.
Both teams will now meet at the same venue in two days for another thrilling T20 match.