Cricket Scorecard

We are back for West Indies' reply. 

... The Run Chase ...

Sheldon Cottrell was the pick of the Windies bowlers with 2 wickets for 31 runs in his three overs of which he was peppered for 24 in his last over.  The rest of the bowlers supported him well and kept the run rate in check, although they might feel they lost their advantage as they head into the break. Right then, the target now for West Indies is 132. Can they do it and take a 1-0 lead in this series? We shall find out together. The second essay coming up shortly. Stay tuned.

A 13-ball 47 runs partnership between David Miller and Sisanda Magala has got South Africa to 131 for 8 in their allotted 11 overs. Having put into bat first, South Africa lost de Kock early for a golden duck. The other batters kept swinging their bat and kept the run rate going around 10 per over.  West Indies picked up wickets regularly and half of the Proteas side was back in the hut inside 40 balls. Reeza Hendricks played a handy knock while Aiden Markram and Rilee Rossouw chipped in

Odean Smith to Anrich Nortje, Swing and a miss! Short one, outside off. Anrich Nortje slashes hard but misses. South Africa end the innings at 131/8.

The umpire signals a no ball. 

Anrich Nortje is the new batter in.

Odean Smith to Bjorn Fortuin, NO BALL and ! A good-length ball, on off. It bounces over the stumps as Bjorn Fortuin heaves across the line. The ball goes through to the keeper. Bjorn Fortuin ventures out looking for a single. Nicholas Pooran jogs towards the stumps and underarms to get the bails off. Bjorn Fortuin is out, although the umpire signals a no ball for overstepping and Smith has to reload now for a Free-Hit.

Odean Smith to Bjorn Fortuin, ! Smacked! Bjorn Fortuin can bat as well. A short ball, outside off. Bjorn Fortuin hits it on the up and powers it over extra covers. Boundary. 

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! CAUGHT! David Miller tries to go for another maximum but holes out instead. Nonetheless, the damage has been already done. The crowd goes quiet briefly, but soon applause Miller as he walks off the field. It is a short ball, on middle. David Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket. It comes off the top-edge. Romario Shepherd takes a sharp catch near the ropes.

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! WHAT A HIT! David Miller on 48. It is very full, on leg stump. David Miller clears his front leg and wrists it powerfully over the square leg fence. He gets the bottom hand into play here. Exceptional batting.

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! David Miller picks up the slower ball with ease. It is a short ball, on the body. David Miller swivels and pulls it over short fine leg and gets a boundary. 

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! Width on offer and punished. It is full, wide outside off. David Miller reaches out and smashes it through point for a boundary. 

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! HUGE! I repeat, pressure on the bowler. Sheldon Cottrell goes full and on off. Sisanda Magala hammers it over the bowler's head for a flat six. Incredible shot. 24 runs off the over. South Africa get to 116 in a blink of an eye.

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! Sisanda Magala says even he can do it! A BIGGIE! A slower ball, on a length, on middle and leg. Sisanda Magala clears his front leg and smokes it over mid-wicket for a maximum. Pressure on the bowler.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Short one, on off. Miller clubs it down to long on and crosses.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, ! OH YES! Miller is doing what he does best! Back of a length, on off. David Miller swivels, and hits it flat and hard over the deep mid-wicket fence. 11 runs off this over already. 

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, Full length, in the channel. Sisanda Magala whips it to deep square leg and gets to the other end.

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! Sisanda Magala joins the party! Short ball, in the channel. Sisanda Magala slices it over covers. One bounce and over the ropes. Finds the gap brilliantly.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, LEG BYES! It does not matter how the runs come now. It is full, sliding down leg. Miller fails to flick it away. The ball though brushes the pads and runs down to the fine leg fence. The crowd has something to cheer now. 

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, ! Incredible shot. A bit short, outside off. David Miller rocks back and cuts it powerfully past extra covers. The ball races away to the fence.

Romario Shepherd to Sisanda Magala, Sisanda Magala is off the mark. Good length, on fourth stump. Magala steers it down to third man for one.

Sisanda Magala walks out to bat.

Romario Shepherd to Wayne Parnell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Romario Shepherd gets his first. A good-length ball, wide of off. Wayne Parnell now tries to break the shackles and slashes hard away from his body. The ball takes the outside edge. It is a slower ball and the ball almost dies as it reached the keeper. Nicholas Pooran though takes a good low catch in front of him. 

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Fuller, on off, angled in. Miller clips it towards mid on for one.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, WIDE! A slower ball, wide of off. This one goes past the tramline. The umpire signals a wide.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, ! BANG! A welcome boundary for South Africa. This is what Miller can do! Very full, on leg stump. David Miller clears his front leg and tonks it over the square leg fence. He hits it so cleanly that it hits the roof of the stands there. New ball is selected by the umpire now.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, A tidy over from Alzarri Joseph comes to an end. A dot to end the over. It is full, down leg. Wayne Parnell gets pinged on his pads as he misses to get his blade down in time. Clearly, the contact is outside the line.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, Shorter, on the body. Miller pulls to deep backward square leg for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, Alzarri Joseph fires in a full ball, on off. Miller clips it in front of long on. The call is for two runs and they get two. Good, positive running.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, Another single now as Parnell smacks it down to long on for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, A bit fuller, on fourth stump. Miller clips it through square leg for one more.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, Back of a length, on leg. Wayne Parnell pulls it down to deep square leg for a single.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, Back of a length outside off, Wayne Parnell guides it to short third and the batters scamper for a quick run.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Slower ball, on a length and down the leg. David Miller nudges it toward a backward square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, Short again and around off. Wayne Parnell pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, WIDE! Shortish and down the leg. Wayne Parnell pulls and misses. Wide signaled.

Sheldon Cottrell to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! South Africa now have half of their side back in the hut. Heinrich Klaasen trudges back with having any impact on the score. The famous salute celebration of Sheldon Cottrell is out once again. It is a half-volley outside off. Heinrich Klaasen opens the face of the bat late but hits it straight down the throat of Johnson Charles at backward point who make no mistake.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, David Miller now rotates the strike as he flicks this length ball behind square on the leg side.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Fuller, on off. Miller knocks it down to mid off.

Odean Smith to David Miller, A wicket-taking over from Smith comes to an end. On a length, around leg. It skids through. Miller tucks it towards square leg. A bit of hesitation but Miller puts in a dive to get inside the crease safely.

Odean Smith to David Miller, Length and on leg. Miller clips it towards mid on and comes back for the second run quite comfortably. 

Odean Smith to Heinrich Klaasen, FIrst run off the bat for Klaasen. Short, on the body. Heinrich Klaasen pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Odean Smith to Heinrich Klaasen, WIDE! A sharp bouncer, in the channel. Heinrich Klaasen lets it be. Wide called.

Heinrich Klaasen walks out to bat.

Odean Smith to Reeza Hendricks, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Odean Smith gets his first wicket. Reeza Hendricks' valiant innings comes to an end. It is a slower ball, shorter, outside off. It holds on the deck a bit. Reeza Hendricks heaves across the line but only manages to feather it behind to the keeper. Nicholas Pooran there makes no mistake. More of a muted celebration from the West Indies players.

Odean Smith to Reeza Hendricks, Short again, outside off, it skids through. Reeza Hendricks thinks about riding the bounce and goes for the pull shot. The ball goes very high in the air, but fortunately it lands short of the fielder. Two taken.

Odean Smith to David Miller, Back of a length, on off. Miller pulls it off the bottom end towards deep mid-wicket. One taken.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full length, on middle and leg. Reeza Hendricks stays leg side and smacks it straight down the ground. They collect a brace.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Very full, on leg. Miller clips it to short fine leg and crosses for a risky single.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, WIDE! Slower ball, full and down the leg, Reeza Hendricks goes for the swat and misses. Wide given by the umpire.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full-length delivery on off. Reeza Hendricks drives it to long off for one.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full and on off. Reeza Hendricks has driven it to mid off.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Short of a length again outside off. David Miller runs it down toward the wide third man for one.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Romario Shepherd starts off with a short of a length ball down the leg. Reeza Hendricks helps it away to deep backward square leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, ! David Miller is up and running with a boundary. Overpitched outside off. David Miller leans and drives it elegantly through extra covers for a cracking boundary.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, WIDE! Shortish and outside off. David Miller sways out of it and it is wided by the umpire.

David Miller walks in now.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Hard length into the surface on the middle and leg. Aiden Markram goes for the loft but gets it from the toe end of the blade and falls into the hands of Johnson Charles at the deep mid-wicket fence who calmly settles under it and takes it with ease.  South Africa loses their 3rd as skipper Markram departs.

Alzarri Joseph to Reeza Hendricks, On a good length and on off. Reeza Hendricks pushes it into covers with soft hands and takes a single.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, Back of a length angled in. Aiden Markram tucks it to the deep square leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, MORE! BANG! Short and outside off. Aiden Markram goes for the pull and gets a top edge that flies over the short third region and into the third-man fence. One bounce for four.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, ! Shortish and on the middle and leg. Aiden Markram pulls and helps it on its way to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary. Runs are flowing for South Africa.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, MORE! Full and on the stumps. Reeza Hendricks gets down and slogs it over the long leg fence for another maximum.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, ! CLUBBED! Short and on the middle and leg. Reeza Hendricks picks it early and pulls it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, Flat and on the leg peg. Aiden Markram shimmies down and pushes it to long on for one.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, ! Flat and angling into the batter, Aiden Markram makes room and carves it through point for a boundary. Sheldon Cottrell at the backward point region misfields and the ball goes through.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, Flat and fires it quicker on the stumps. Aiden Markram goes back and bunts into covers.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Flat and on the middle and off. Reeza Hendricks nudges it toward the square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, Good length ball shaping away outside off. Rilee Rossouw hangs back and pushes into covers.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, WIDE! Full and down the leg. Rilee Rossouw flicks and misses. The umpire calls it wide.

Sheldon Cottrell to Reeza Hendricks, On a good length and on off. Reeza Hendricks pushes it to mid off and gets off the mark with one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Reeza Hendricks, Sheldon Cottrell starts off with a full ball that swings back into the batter. Reeza Hendricks prods as the ball goes through the gap between bat and pad.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, MORE! Overpitched on the stumps. Rilee Rossouw chips it nicely over the mid on fielder as the ball runs down to the long on fence for another boundary. 

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, ! Rilee Rossouw gets the first boundary of the match. Flat and around off. Rilee Rossouw brings out the reverse and plays it in the gap between the backward point and short third for a boundary.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Flat and just outside off. Rilee Rossouw punches off the backfoot into covers and a slight misfield allows Rilee Rossouw to come back for a brace.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Fires it full and quick outside off. Rilee Rossouw goes for the heave and misses.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Full and on off. Rilee Rossouw gets a leading edge to point as he prods forward.

Akeal Hosein to Quinton de Kock, ! TAKEN! Akeal Hosein gets a wicket first ball. What a start for West Indies. On a shortish length around off. Quinton de Kock gets down to paddle it away but he gets a top edge that flies off to Sheldon Cottrell at the short fine leg region who runs back and takes a simple catch. A brilliant start for Akeal Hosein. Quinton de Kock departs for a golden duck.

Sheldon Cottrell to Aiden Markram, Full and angling on the leg peg. Aiden Markram goes for the heave and misses. Gets a thud on the pad.

Sheldon Cottrell to Aiden Markram, On a fullish length outside off, Aiden Markram drives this to covers for none. A slight misfield as Markram decides against taking the run.

Aiden Markram is the new man in.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, ! TAKEN! South Africa loses their second! Back of a length ball outside off. Rilee Rossouw hits it flat to Rovman Powell at mid off who takes it with ease. Rilee Rossouw departs after a fast start. 

Will we see pace from the other end? Yes, we will! Sheldon Cottrell gets the ball in hand. 

Rilee Rossouw is the new man in.

Right then, the prolonged wait comes to an end. The two umpires are seen making their way out on the field. The West Indies players are seen to be in a huddle before they spread out on the field. Followed by Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks who walk out to open for South Africa. It will be Akeal Hosein to start with the new ball. A huge dark lurking around the ground. Hopefully, the rain gods do not interrupt once again. Here we go...

Aiden Markram, the skipper of South Africa is in for a chat. He says that they would've bowled first as well but they will try to put a sufficent total on the board. Mentions it is about encouraging guys about expressing themselves in the shortest format. Adds that it is a fresh start from them.

Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that they will bowl first as it’s the trend on the venue. Adds they will have to do the right things and play good cricket. Mentions that he will have to lead from the front and the team will follow. Says that they are going with a balanced side.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Sheldon Cottrell, Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of West Indies. They will BOWL first. 

We are back for West Indies' reply. 

... The Run Chase ...

Sheldon Cottrell was the pick of the Windies bowlers with 2 wickets for 31 runs in his three overs of which he was peppered for 24 in his last over.  The rest of the bowlers supported him well and kept the run rate in check, although they might feel they lost their advantage as they head into the break. Right then, the target now for West Indies is 132. Can they do it and take a 1-0 lead in this series? We shall find out together. The second essay coming up shortly. Stay tuned.

A 13-ball 47 runs partnership between David Miller and Sisanda Magala has got South Africa to 131 for 8 in their allotted 11 overs. Having put into bat first, South Africa lost de Kock early for a golden duck. The other batters kept swinging their bat and kept the run rate going around 10 per over.  West Indies picked up wickets regularly and half of the Proteas side was back in the hut inside 40 balls. Reeza Hendricks played a handy knock while Aiden Markram and Rilee Rossouw chipped in

Odean Smith to Anrich Nortje, Swing and a miss! Short one, outside off. Anrich Nortje slashes hard but misses. South Africa end the innings at 131/8.

The umpire signals a no ball. 

Anrich Nortje is the new batter in.

Odean Smith to Bjorn Fortuin, NO BALL and ! A good-length ball, on off. It bounces over the stumps as Bjorn Fortuin heaves across the line. The ball goes through to the keeper. Bjorn Fortuin ventures out looking for a single. Nicholas Pooran jogs towards the stumps and underarms to get the bails off. Bjorn Fortuin is out, although the umpire signals a no ball for overstepping and Smith has to reload now for a Free-Hit.

Odean Smith to Bjorn Fortuin, ! Smacked! Bjorn Fortuin can bat as well. A short ball, outside off. Bjorn Fortuin hits it on the up and powers it over extra covers. Boundary. 

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! CAUGHT! David Miller tries to go for another maximum but holes out instead. Nonetheless, the damage has been already done. The crowd goes quiet briefly, but soon applause Miller as he walks off the field. It is a short ball, on middle. David Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket. It comes off the top-edge. Romario Shepherd takes a sharp catch near the ropes.

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! WHAT A HIT! David Miller on 48. It is very full, on leg stump. David Miller clears his front leg and wrists it powerfully over the square leg fence. He gets the bottom hand into play here. Exceptional batting.

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! David Miller picks up the slower ball with ease. It is a short ball, on the body. David Miller swivels and pulls it over short fine leg and gets a boundary. 

Odean Smith to David Miller, ! Width on offer and punished. It is full, wide outside off. David Miller reaches out and smashes it through point for a boundary. 

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! HUGE! I repeat, pressure on the bowler. Sheldon Cottrell goes full and on off. Sisanda Magala hammers it over the bowler's head for a flat six. Incredible shot. 24 runs off the over. South Africa get to 116 in a blink of an eye.

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! Sisanda Magala says even he can do it! A BIGGIE! A slower ball, on a length, on middle and leg. Sisanda Magala clears his front leg and smokes it over mid-wicket for a maximum. Pressure on the bowler.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Short one, on off. Miller clubs it down to long on and crosses.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, ! OH YES! Miller is doing what he does best! Back of a length, on off. David Miller swivels, and hits it flat and hard over the deep mid-wicket fence. 11 runs off this over already. 

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, Full length, in the channel. Sisanda Magala whips it to deep square leg and gets to the other end.

Sheldon Cottrell to Sisanda Magala, ! Sisanda Magala joins the party! Short ball, in the channel. Sisanda Magala slices it over covers. One bounce and over the ropes. Finds the gap brilliantly.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, LEG BYES! It does not matter how the runs come now. It is full, sliding down leg. Miller fails to flick it away. The ball though brushes the pads and runs down to the fine leg fence. The crowd has something to cheer now. 

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, ! Incredible shot. A bit short, outside off. David Miller rocks back and cuts it powerfully past extra covers. The ball races away to the fence.

Romario Shepherd to Sisanda Magala, Sisanda Magala is off the mark. Good length, on fourth stump. Magala steers it down to third man for one.

Sisanda Magala walks out to bat.

Romario Shepherd to Wayne Parnell, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Romario Shepherd gets his first. A good-length ball, wide of off. Wayne Parnell now tries to break the shackles and slashes hard away from his body. The ball takes the outside edge. It is a slower ball and the ball almost dies as it reached the keeper. Nicholas Pooran though takes a good low catch in front of him. 

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Fuller, on off, angled in. Miller clips it towards mid on for one.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, WIDE! A slower ball, wide of off. This one goes past the tramline. The umpire signals a wide.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, ! BANG! A welcome boundary for South Africa. This is what Miller can do! Very full, on leg stump. David Miller clears his front leg and tonks it over the square leg fence. He hits it so cleanly that it hits the roof of the stands there. New ball is selected by the umpire now.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, A tidy over from Alzarri Joseph comes to an end. A dot to end the over. It is full, down leg. Wayne Parnell gets pinged on his pads as he misses to get his blade down in time. Clearly, the contact is outside the line.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, Shorter, on the body. Miller pulls to deep backward square leg for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, Alzarri Joseph fires in a full ball, on off. Miller clips it in front of long on. The call is for two runs and they get two. Good, positive running.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, Another single now as Parnell smacks it down to long on for a single.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, A bit fuller, on fourth stump. Miller clips it through square leg for one more.

Alzarri Joseph to Wayne Parnell, Back of a length, on leg. Wayne Parnell pulls it down to deep square leg for a single.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, Back of a length outside off, Wayne Parnell guides it to short third and the batters scamper for a quick run.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Slower ball, on a length and down the leg. David Miller nudges it toward a backward square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, Short again and around off. Wayne Parnell pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Wayne Parnell, WIDE! Shortish and down the leg. Wayne Parnell pulls and misses. Wide signaled.

Sheldon Cottrell to Heinrich Klaasen, ! CAUGHT! South Africa now have half of their side back in the hut. Heinrich Klaasen trudges back with having any impact on the score. The famous salute celebration of Sheldon Cottrell is out once again. It is a half-volley outside off. Heinrich Klaasen opens the face of the bat late but hits it straight down the throat of Johnson Charles at backward point who make no mistake.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, David Miller now rotates the strike as he flicks this length ball behind square on the leg side.

Sheldon Cottrell to David Miller, Fuller, on off. Miller knocks it down to mid off.

Odean Smith to David Miller, A wicket-taking over from Smith comes to an end. On a length, around leg. It skids through. Miller tucks it towards square leg. A bit of hesitation but Miller puts in a dive to get inside the crease safely.

Odean Smith to David Miller, Length and on leg. Miller clips it towards mid on and comes back for the second run quite comfortably. 

Odean Smith to Heinrich Klaasen, FIrst run off the bat for Klaasen. Short, on the body. Heinrich Klaasen pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Odean Smith to Heinrich Klaasen, WIDE! A sharp bouncer, in the channel. Heinrich Klaasen lets it be. Wide called.

Heinrich Klaasen walks out to bat.

Odean Smith to Reeza Hendricks, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Odean Smith gets his first wicket. Reeza Hendricks' valiant innings comes to an end. It is a slower ball, shorter, outside off. It holds on the deck a bit. Reeza Hendricks heaves across the line but only manages to feather it behind to the keeper. Nicholas Pooran there makes no mistake. More of a muted celebration from the West Indies players.

Odean Smith to Reeza Hendricks, Short again, outside off, it skids through. Reeza Hendricks thinks about riding the bounce and goes for the pull shot. The ball goes very high in the air, but fortunately it lands short of the fielder. Two taken.

Odean Smith to David Miller, Back of a length, on off. Miller pulls it off the bottom end towards deep mid-wicket. One taken.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full length, on middle and leg. Reeza Hendricks stays leg side and smacks it straight down the ground. They collect a brace.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Very full, on leg. Miller clips it to short fine leg and crosses for a risky single.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, WIDE! Slower ball, full and down the leg, Reeza Hendricks goes for the swat and misses. Wide given by the umpire.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full-length delivery on off. Reeza Hendricks drives it to long off for one.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Full and on off. Reeza Hendricks has driven it to mid off.

Romario Shepherd to David Miller, Short of a length again outside off. David Miller runs it down toward the wide third man for one.

Romario Shepherd to Reeza Hendricks, Romario Shepherd starts off with a short of a length ball down the leg. Reeza Hendricks helps it away to deep backward square leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, ! David Miller is up and running with a boundary. Overpitched outside off. David Miller leans and drives it elegantly through extra covers for a cracking boundary.

Alzarri Joseph to David Miller, WIDE! Shortish and outside off. David Miller sways out of it and it is wided by the umpire.

David Miller walks in now.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Hard length into the surface on the middle and leg. Aiden Markram goes for the loft but gets it from the toe end of the blade and falls into the hands of Johnson Charles at the deep mid-wicket fence who calmly settles under it and takes it with ease.  South Africa loses their 3rd as skipper Markram departs.

Alzarri Joseph to Reeza Hendricks, On a good length and on off. Reeza Hendricks pushes it into covers with soft hands and takes a single.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, Back of a length angled in. Aiden Markram tucks it to the deep square leg for one.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, MORE! BANG! Short and outside off. Aiden Markram goes for the pull and gets a top edge that flies over the short third region and into the third-man fence. One bounce for four.

Alzarri Joseph to Aiden Markram, ! Shortish and on the middle and leg. Aiden Markram pulls and helps it on its way to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary. Runs are flowing for South Africa.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, MORE! Full and on the stumps. Reeza Hendricks gets down and slogs it over the long leg fence for another maximum.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, ! CLUBBED! Short and on the middle and leg. Reeza Hendricks picks it early and pulls it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, Flat and on the leg peg. Aiden Markram shimmies down and pushes it to long on for one.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, ! Flat and angling into the batter, Aiden Markram makes room and carves it through point for a boundary. Sheldon Cottrell at the backward point region misfields and the ball goes through.

Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram, Flat and fires it quicker on the stumps. Aiden Markram goes back and bunts into covers.

Akeal Hosein to Reeza Hendricks, Flat and on the middle and off. Reeza Hendricks nudges it toward the square leg for one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, Good length ball shaping away outside off. Rilee Rossouw hangs back and pushes into covers.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, WIDE! Full and down the leg. Rilee Rossouw flicks and misses. The umpire calls it wide.

Sheldon Cottrell to Reeza Hendricks, On a good length and on off. Reeza Hendricks pushes it to mid off and gets off the mark with one.

Sheldon Cottrell to Reeza Hendricks, Sheldon Cottrell starts off with a full ball that swings back into the batter. Reeza Hendricks prods as the ball goes through the gap between bat and pad.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, MORE! Overpitched on the stumps. Rilee Rossouw chips it nicely over the mid on fielder as the ball runs down to the long on fence for another boundary. 

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, ! Rilee Rossouw gets the first boundary of the match. Flat and around off. Rilee Rossouw brings out the reverse and plays it in the gap between the backward point and short third for a boundary.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Flat and just outside off. Rilee Rossouw punches off the backfoot into covers and a slight misfield allows Rilee Rossouw to come back for a brace.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Fires it full and quick outside off. Rilee Rossouw goes for the heave and misses.

Akeal Hosein to Rilee Rossouw, Full and on off. Rilee Rossouw gets a leading edge to point as he prods forward.

Akeal Hosein to Quinton de Kock, ! TAKEN! Akeal Hosein gets a wicket first ball. What a start for West Indies. On a shortish length around off. Quinton de Kock gets down to paddle it away but he gets a top edge that flies off to Sheldon Cottrell at the short fine leg region who runs back and takes a simple catch. A brilliant start for Akeal Hosein. Quinton de Kock departs for a golden duck.

Sheldon Cottrell to Aiden Markram, Full and angling on the leg peg. Aiden Markram goes for the heave and misses. Gets a thud on the pad.

Sheldon Cottrell to Aiden Markram, On a fullish length outside off, Aiden Markram drives this to covers for none. A slight misfield as Markram decides against taking the run.

Aiden Markram is the new man in.

Sheldon Cottrell to Rilee Rossouw, ! TAKEN! South Africa loses their second! Back of a length ball outside off. Rilee Rossouw hits it flat to Rovman Powell at mid off who takes it with ease. Rilee Rossouw departs after a fast start. 

Will we see pace from the other end? Yes, we will! Sheldon Cottrell gets the ball in hand. 

Rilee Rossouw is the new man in.

Right then, the prolonged wait comes to an end. The two umpires are seen making their way out on the field. The West Indies players are seen to be in a huddle before they spread out on the field. Followed by Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks who walk out to open for South Africa. It will be Akeal Hosein to start with the new ball. A huge dark lurking around the ground. Hopefully, the rain gods do not interrupt once again. Here we go...

Aiden Markram, the skipper of South Africa is in for a chat. He says that they would've bowled first as well but they will try to put a sufficent total on the board. Mentions it is about encouraging guys about expressing themselves in the shortest format. Adds that it is a fresh start from them.

Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that they will bowl first as it’s the trend on the venue. Adds they will have to do the right things and play good cricket. Mentions that he will have to lead from the front and the team will follow. Says that they are going with a balanced side.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram (C), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Sisanda Magala, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Rovman Powell (C), Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Sheldon Cottrell, Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of West Indies. They will BOWL first.