South Africa delivered a stunning batting masterclass in the 2nd T20 International against West Indies at SuperSport Park, Centurion, with Quinton de Kock’s blistering 115 off 49 balls leading a commanding seven-wicket victory that put the hosts firmly in control of the three-match series. The Proteas chased down 222 with 15 balls to spare, sealing the series 2–0 with one game remaining and sending a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup.
West Indies set the stage for a blockbuster contest by posting a competitive total of 221 for 4 in their 20 overs. Their innings was powered by a match-defining 126-run second-wicket partnership between Shimron Hetmyer (75 off 42) and Brandon King (49 off 30), which steadied the ship after an early loss and kept the scoring rate high throughout the middle overs. Toward the end of the innings, Sherfane Rutherford’s 57 not out off 24 balls unleashed a late surge that helped the visitors reach a challenging total on a batting-friendly track.
South Africa’s reply was nothing short of spectacular. After losing a wicket early, De Kock and Ryan Rickelton (77 not out off 36) put on a 162-run stand for the second wicket that completely swung momentum in favour of the Proteas. De Kock’s innings was a breathtaking display of power and precision — featuring six fours and ten sixes — and he reached his century off just 43 deliveries, highlighting both intent and control. His knock was not only a career-best score in T20Is but also came at the perfect time, anchoring the chase with authority.
Rickelton’s contribution should not be understated either; the young batter’s unbeaten 77 provided excellent support, allowing De Kock to rotate the strike and keep the required run rate firmly in sight. The pair maintained a punishing tempo, reaching 122 for 1 inside 10 overs, a platform that left West Indies little chance of regaining control.
In the bowling department, South Africa’s attack responded well to the challenge early on, but ultimately the West Indies total proved to be just shy of defendable. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers with two key wickets, but England-style power hitting from the South African openers ensured the target was never truly out of reach.
The win was South Africa’s first T20I series victory under head coach Shukri Conrad, and it marked a rare moment of dominance against a West Indies side that had shown its batting strength. It was also a timely boost of confidence for the Proteas as they fine-tune their squad and combinations ahead of major international tournaments.
For West Indies, the batting display against a quality South African attack was encouraging — particularly the performances of Hetmyer, King and Rutherford — but the inability to defend 221 highlighted ongoing challenges with consistency in the bowling unit. They will now look to regroup for the final match in Johannesburg, keen to avoid a series whitewash and find momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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