The Proteas of South Africa survived rain delays and a late comeback from the West Indies to secure a three-wicket victory in Antigua on Sunday.
The South African team looked in control for much of the rain-affected match, but a series of late wickets set up a tense finish. Marco Jansen ultimately steered South Africa home with three wickets to spare, sending the co-hosts crashing out of the tournament.
The West Indies suffered early setbacks as Shai Hope and Nicolas Pooran fell in the first two overs. However, Roston Chase and recalled opener, Kyle Mayers began to repair the innings, adding 84 runs for the third wicket. Mayers was dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi for 35, quickly followed by captain Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford.
Shamsi, who finished with impressive figures of three for 27, also claimed the wicket of Chase, who scored 52 from 42 balls, leaving the West Indies at 97 for six. A couple of sixes from Andre Russell lifted the team to 135 for eight.
In response, Russell struck early by taking the wickets of Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock in the second over before rain intervened, reducing South Africa’s target to 123 from 17 overs.
South Africa appeared in control at 77 for three in the eighth over despite losing Aiden Markram for 18. Alzarri Joseph then had Heinrich Klaasen caught behind for 22. The spin of Roston Chase picked up the key wicket of Tristan Stubbs for 29, setting up a tense finish with five runs needed from the final over.
Jansen quickly ended the suspense, hitting the first ball of the final over for six, ensuring unbeaten South Africa finished on top of their Super 8 pool. England will join them in the last four.
