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In a dramatic Super 8 fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa defeated co-hosts West Indies by three wickets, securing their place in the semi-finals. The match, held at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, saw South Africa join England from Group 2 in the semi-finals. Unfortunately for West Indies, despite securing five victories in the tournament, their two losses in the Super 8 stage led to their disqualification from the marquee event.
Early wickets stun West Indies
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Proteas got off to a flying start with Marco Jansen dismissing West Indies opener Shai Hope for a golden duck. Skipper Aiden Markram further dented the Windies’ batting lineup by removing the dangerous Nicholas Pooran. Despite a stabilizing partnership between Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase, West Indies struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals and ending their innings at 135/8 in 20 overs.
Rain-disrupted chase
South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note as they lost Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock early. A rain delay disrupted the game, shortening the match by three overs and revising South Africa’s target to 123 runs (DLS method). Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs steadied the Proteas’ innings, but disciplined bowling from Chase saw South Africa lose quick wickets, leaving them at 110/7 in 15.3 overs. However, Kagiso Rabada and Jansen held their nerve, guiding South Africa to victory and knocking out the co-hosts.
Also READ: Netizens erupt as South Africa knocks West Indies out to reach the semifinals of T20 World Cup 2024
Heartbreak for West Indies
The loss was a crushing blow for West Indies, who bowed out of the tournament in front of their home crowd. The team, led by Rovman Powell, displayed commendable effort throughout the World Cup but fell short in the critical stages. Fans on social media expressed their disappointment and heartbreak over the elimination of the co-hosts, sharing their reactions and support for the team.
Here is how fans reacted:
Devastated…💔 |
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket)
💔 a sad morning for the Caribbean region ?we are out of the World Cup 😭Regardless, Rally Round The West Indies now and forever.
— Anmar Goodridge-Boyce (@anmargboyce)
This just lost its soul. Great for South Africa but the knockouts without the West Indies is sad
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Heartbroken Andre Russell after a tough defeat. 💔
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Heartbroken but extremely proud of that fight. 👏💗
— Barbados Royals (@BarbadosRoyals)
A gutted Rovman Powell, with many heartbroken WI fans still in the stands at 1.10am on Sunday night/Monday morning. It’s been quite the ride in Group 2 of the Super 8
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell)
West Indies are out of the 2024 T20 World Cup 💔
— betvisa69.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Heartbroken Andre Russell after a tough defeat. 💔
— Hania 𝕏 (@TheQueen2101)
West Indies have now failed to reach the semifinals of THREE consecutive T20 World Cup editions 💔💔💔
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
😭😭😭
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17)
A massive moment in the game, Russel is heart broken, West Indies fans are heart broken!
Russel was looking so so good and then a screamer of a runout from Nortje, well done Nortje. Well done RSA.
They played like a top side tonight, captain Markram is rewriting history.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)
South Africa making the habit of acing close games..this one was too close for heart health. Gutted for the spirited West Indies.
— Niharika Raina (@niharika_raina)
Nobody breaks my heart like West Indies cricket 🥹
— Proud West Indian 🇹🇹🇬🇾🇯🇲 (@DearDevante)
Heart goes out to West Indies. What a fight. What a team. was bowling fire bullets. Pity RCB again though lol
— Aravind 🕉️🇿🇦🦁™?(@CheekyAravind)
Nobody could break my heart the way West Indies does 💔
— Bryan Statham (@bryanstatham4)
http://twitter.com/amitya55/status/1805110890238476312
Nah, they aren't choking this world cup. Feeling sad for West Indies.
— The Cow Corner (@_cow_corner_)
Superb fightback but end up as losing side
Feel sad for west Indies …— Nafly Nasih (@NaflyNasih)
The Mighty Hosts West Indies are out of this 💔😓 Unbeaten Chokers South Africa have qualified for the Semi Finals 👏
— Shehryar Sajid Khan (@Sskwrites)