West Indies Dominate South Africa, Complete Clean Sweep in Rain-Shortened T20I Series
The West Indies secured a comprehensive victory over South Africa in the rain-affected third T20I, completing a clean sweep of the series and extending their dominance over the Proteas in this format. This victory marks the eighth win for the Windies in their last ten T20I encounters against South Africa, dating back to March 2023.
The series finale in Trinidad was significantly shortened due to rain delays, with the match commencing an hour later than scheduled and eventually reduced to 13 overs per side. South Africa struggled to build a substantial total, reaching 108 for 4, with no individual batsman managing to score over 30 runs. The West Indies' spin duo of Akeal Hosein and stand-in captain Roston Chase proved effective, restricting the Proteas to a modest score.
Tristan Stubbs, who finished the series as the highest run-scorer, provided a late flourish for South Africa, scoring 40 runs off just 15 balls. He displayed impressive maturity and power hitting, launching a series of powerful sixes and fours to push the Proteas past the 100-run mark.
The West Indies chase was relatively straightforward, aided by a strong start from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran, who put on a 58-run partnership off just 20 balls. Hope remained unbeaten on 42, while Shimron Hetmyer provided a thrilling finish, smashing 31 runs off 17 balls to seal the victory with 22 balls remaining.
Romario Shepherd, who claimed the leading wicket-taker honours for the series, spearheaded the West Indies' bowling attack with two wickets in his opening over. He dismissed Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, both struggling for form throughout the series.
However, the day belonged to the West Indies, who demonstrated their superior skills and tactical nous throughout the series. This victory provides a further boost to their confidence as they look ahead to future T20I engagements.
