Stand-in captain Brandon King shone with a blistering 79 runs off 45 balls, leading the West Indies to a 28-run victory over South Africa in the first Twenty20 international of a three-game series in Kingston on Thursday.
King, filling in for skipper Rovman Powell who is on IPL duty, smashed six sixes and six boundaries, propelling the West Indies to a total of 175-8.
South Africa struggled in their chase, managing only 147 all out despite a valiant 87 off 51 balls from opener Reeza Hendricks. Hendricks' innings included six sixes and six fours but was not enough to offset the early loss of star opener Quinton de Kock for just four runs.
West Indies' spin bowler Gudakesh Motie and fast bowler Matthew Forde were instrumental in the victory. Motie claimed 3-25, dismantling the South African middle order, while Forde, in only his second T20 international, took 3-27, including the crucial wickets of De Kock, Hendricks, and Ottneil Baartman.
"I know the conditions well, which was an advantage," said King, who was named man-of-the-match for his performance at his home ground, Sabina Park. "We aimed for 200-220 runs but fell short on a tough pitch."
South Africa's captain Rassie van der Dussen acknowledged the unexpected challenge posed by the West Indies. "West Indies played differently to what we had anticipated," he said. "We need to learn to adapt quicker."
The series continues in Kingston with the second and third games set for Saturday and Sunday, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the United States starting June 1.
