South Africa collapsed from a seemingly winning position to lose to West Indies by 30 runs, allowing the Caribbean side to secure a 2-0 series lead. Chasing 180, South Africa were at 129 for 3 but lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs. Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph's stellar bowling ensured West Indies' victory. Read more on TOI
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Africa vs Australia The cricketing world was treated to a thrilling encounter as South Africa took on Australia in the 2nd T20I of their series in 2024. The match, played at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, lived up to its billing as a high-octane clash between two of the best teams in the world. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to set a daunting total for the Proteas to chase. Their openers got off to a blistering start, with David Warner and Aaron Finch taking the attack to the South African bowlers. Warner, in particular, was in imperious form, smashing boundaries at will and racing to a half-century in quick time. However, the introduction of spin changed the course of the innings, as South Africa's wrist spinners Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi put the brakes on the Australian scoring rate. Tahir picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs, while Shamsi bamboozled the batsmen with his variations. The Australian middle order faltered under the pressure, and they were restricted to a modest total of 160/7 in their 20 overs. In reply, South Africa got off to a shaky start, losing a couple of early wickets to the pace of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. However, their captain Quinton de Kock held firm at one end, anchoring the innings with a composed fifty. He found able support from Rassie van der Dussen, who played a crucial knock to keep the Proteas in the hunt. With the required rate climbing, it came down to the final overs, with South Africa needing 15 off the last over to win. In a nail-biting finish, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo held his nerve and smashed a couple of boundaries to seal a memorable victory for the home team. The Wanderers erupted in joy as South Africa clinched the T20I series, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to play. The players were lauded for their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude, while the Australian team was left to ponder their missed opportunities. Overall, it was a pulsating contest that showcased the excitement and drama that T20 cricket has to offer. Fans were treated to a spectacle of power-hitting, skillful bowling, and nerve-wracking finishes, making it a match to remember in the annals of cricket history. The series now moves to the final T20I, where both teams will look to end on a high note and carry the momentum forward into the upcoming fixtures.