WI vs SA | 2nd T20I: Fabian Allen's late surge goes in vain as South Africa level series

South Africa levelled the T20I series against West Indies on Sunday in Grenada after being the hosts by 16 runs. Chasing 167 in 20 overs, West Indies were restricted to 150/9 eventually. 

The hosts had a decent start to the chase after openers Even Lewis and Andre Fletcher put 31 runs on the board for the wicket before Lewis departed for 21. West Indies then lost wickets at regular intervals and were soon left tottering at 104/6. 

While Fletcher tried to hold the innings from one end, the West Indies middle-order failed to make any significant contributions. The opener eventually was sent back in the hut by Kagiso Rabada for 35. 

Fabian Allen though tried to provide some resistance to the side after he chipped in with a 12-ball 34 that included five maximums. But Allen’s late surge went in vain as the home side fell short of the target. 

Rabada picked up a three-for while George Linde scalped a couple of wickets. 

Earlier, South Africa rode on some fine batting display from the top-order to put 166/7 in the allotted 20 overs. Hendricks notched up 42 off 30 while captain Temba Bavuma top-scored for the Proteas with 46 off 33. 

For West Indies, it was Obed McCoy who was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 3/25 in 4 overs. 

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard appreciated the bowling efforts but admitted that it was in the middle-overs where they lost the game. 

“Second day in succession our bowlers came up trumps for us. We knew they would come hard at us. It is always difficult to defend in the first 6 with only two guys outside. Was a matter of bowling some good balls and trying to limit the boundaries as much as you can. Having said that, they got off to a flier. But we used the conditions well after that and were happy when we kept them to 166. We had a normal discussion at the innings break as we were starting afresh at 0 for 0. I think we lost it between the 7th to the 11th over as we lost three wickets there,” he said. 

South Africa skipper Bavuma hailed the bowlers for making a vital contribution. “In the past we have been good in the first 6 overs. We didn't capitalize after that. But probably we got a par score after that. The spinners were amazing. George bounced back superbly. It makes your game easy as a skipper if your spinners control the game. We wanted to keep our energies high and maintain the intensity. Bowling quickly is our strength. Rabada and Nortje try to do that. And also change the pace according to the wicket,” Bavuma said after the match. 

The third T20I match between the two sides will now be played on Tuesday at the same venue.