T20 WC: Markram leads South Africa to crushing win over West Indies

Skipper Aiden Markram’s brilliant half-century and fiery spells from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi kept South Africa unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, as they overcame West Indies by nine wickets in a one-sided contest at Ahmedabad on Thursday.

- AGENCIES

Team South Africa celebrating

The Proteas are the only team that is left unbeaten throughout the tournament. With two wins in two matches, South Africa have one foot in the semifinals, while West Indies, with a win and a loss each, need to win their last encounter against India to keep themselves in contention. South Africa’s win also keeps the hopes of Team India alive, who have to win their matches against Zimbabwe and WI and hope for the Proteas to go unbeaten for an easy route to the semifinals.

During a run-chase of 177 runs, the Proteas openers Quinton de Kock and skipper Aiden Markram started well, cracking a boundary each in Matthew Forde’s first over. QDK spent the next few overs being a spectator from the non-strikers’ end, as his captain collected fours and sixes against Forde, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder, single-handedly bringing the 50-run stand in 30 balls.

In Shamar Joseph's first over, the final one of the powerplay, de Kock decided to tee off, with two sixes and a four. Proteas stood tall at the end of powerplay at 69/0.