Roston Chase delivered a dazzling 38-ball 67, propelling the West Indies to a 16-run victory over South Africa at Sabina Park, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Opting to bat first, West Indies captain Brandon King set a strong foundation with a quickfire 36 off 22 balls. Kyle Mayers continued the momentum, smashing 32 off 16 balls, including three sixes. Despite a double strike by South African debutant Nqabayomzi Peter, the home side posted an imposing total of 207-7, thanks largely to a 63-run partnership between Chase and Romario Shepherd.
South Africa's reply began explosively, with openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock racing to 81 in under five overs. De Kock's blistering 41 off 17 balls featured four fours and four sixes, but his dismissal by Akeal Hosein sparked a collapse. Hendricks soon followed, falling to Chase's off-spin.
Gudakesh Motie’s superb 3-22 from four overs, including the key wicket of South African captain Rassie van der Dussen (30 off 22), stifled the visitors' chase. Despite the early onslaught, South Africa fell short, managing only 191–8.
Reflecting on the match, King praised Chase's crucial performance and the team's resilience. "It's an amazing feeling. Chase is very valuable. They had a good start, but it finished well for us," he said.
Van der Dussen acknowledged his bowlers' shortcomings, particularly the seamers, but highlighted Peter's impressive debut. "We let them get too much again. The spinners bowled really well, and Peter's debut was brilliant," he remarked, looking forward to a better performance in the series finale.
The series concludes on Sunday, with both teams preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting June 1 in the United States.
