South Africa takes West Indies to T20 series level

South African spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde crushed the West Indies ‘ chase as the visitors scored a 16th win in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday, equalizing the five-match series with a 1-1 draw.

After being sent into bat in St George’s, Grenada, South Africa posted a below-par 166 for seven in their 20 overs.

However, the home side’s fast start was halted by the spin duo and they were restricted to 150 for nine.Left-arm wrist spinner Shamsi recorded figures of 1-16 in his four overs and the tall orthodox Linde posted 2-19 as they frustrated the home side in the middle of the innings and took the momentum out of their chase.

West Indies had cruised to an eight-wicket victory in the first match with 30 balls to spare on Saturday, but the tourists were vastly improved with their skills with the ball, as well as in the field.

South Africa also made a fast start to their innings as opener Reeza Hendricks (42 from 30 balls) and captain Temba Bavuma (46 from 33 balls) took the attack to the bowlers, but once they were out the innings stuttered.

They scored 81 runs from the first eight overs and just another 85 from the next 12 as the West Indies bowlers slowed the scoring rate with a mix of slower balls and yorkers.

Seamer Obed McCoy (3-25) and off-break bowler Kevin Sinclair (2-23) were the pick of the home attack.The third match in the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.