Cricket is more than just a sport in many parts of the world—it’s a passion, a way of life, and a source of unforgettable moments. When the South Africa national cricket team, known as the Proteas, takes on the West Indies, nicknamed the Windies, you know you’re in for a spectacle. These two teams have a rich history of competitive matches, filled with explosive batting, fiery bowling, and jaw-dropping fielding. In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed look at a specific match between these two sides in 2024, breaking down the scorecard, key moments, and what made the game so special. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone just curious about the game, I’ll keep things simple, engaging, and easy to follow.
The match we’re focusing on is part of the South Africa tour of the West Indies in 2024, specifically the T20I series that served as a warm-up for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This was a high-stakes, high-energy clash, and the scorecard tells a story of drama, skill, and a nail-biting finish. Let’s set the scene and walk through the game, with a full scorecard table to give you all the details.
The Build-Up: South Africa National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard in 2024
The South Africa tour of the West Indies in 2024 was a big deal. It included two Test matches and three T20 Internationals (T20Is), with the T20I series being a key preparation for the T20 World Cup. Both teams were looking to fine-tune their squads, test new players, and build momentum. The Proteas, known for their disciplined bowling and dynamic batting, were coming off a strong performance in the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, where they clinched the title. The Windies, with their flair for big hitting and unpredictable brilliance, were eager to dominate on home soil.
The match we’re dissecting took place on August 23, 2024, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. It was the first of three T20Is, and the atmosphere was electric. The West Indies, ranked fifth in T20Is at the time, were led by Rovman Powell, while South Africa, also ranked fifth, were captained by Aiden Markram. Both teams were packed with talent, and the stage was set for a classic.
The Match: A T20 Thriller
T20 cricket is all about fast-paced action, and this game didn’t disappoint. The West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that made sense given their explosive batting line-up and the batting-friendly conditions in Tarouba. The pitch was flat, the outfield was quick, and the crowd was buzzing with anticipation.
West Indies Innings
The Windies got off to a flying start, thanks to their openers, Brandon King and Alick Athanaze. King, known for his aggressive strokeplay, set the tone with a flurry of boundaries, while Athanaze played the anchor role, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Ottniel Baartman, who was making his T20I debut, struggled to contain the onslaught early on.
However, the Proteas struck back when Baartman dismissed King for 36 off 22 balls, caught by Ryan Rickelton. This breakthrough slowed the Windies’ momentum, but Athanaze and Nicholas Pooran kept the runs flowing. Pooran, one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the world, played some audacious shots, including a massive six off Marco Jansen that sailed into the stands.
The middle overs saw South Africa tighten their grip. Spinner Bjorn Fortuin was the star, bowling with control and picking up two crucial wickets, including Pooran for 28. The Windies’ middle order faltered, with Rovman Powell and Andre Russell unable to convert their starts into big scores. Shamar Joseph, another debutant, added some late fireworks, but South Africa’s death bowling, led by Kagiso Rabada, restricted the Windies to 174/7 in their 20 overs.
South Africa’s Chase
Chasing 175 on a good batting surface was always going to be a challenge, but South Africa had the firepower to get there. Openers Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton, also making his T20I debut, started confidently. Hendricks, in particular, looked in sublime form, hitting three boundaries in the first two overs. However, the Windies struck early when Akeal Hosein dismissed Rickelton for 12, caught by Powell.
Aiden Markram joined Hendricks, and the two built a solid partnership, mixing caution with aggression. Hendricks reached his fifty in just 34 balls, showcasing his class with elegant cover drives and lofted shots. But just when South Africa seemed in control, the Windies fought back. Shamar Joseph, bowling with raw pace, removed Markram for 32, and Andre Russell’s clever variations accounted for Hendricks, who fell for 62.
The middle order, featuring Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs, kept South Africa in the hunt. Stubbs, in particular, played a gem of an innings, scoring 46 off 28 balls, including four sixes. However, the Windies’ bowlers, led by Jason Holder, turned the screws in the death overs. South Africa needed 12 runs off the final over, bowled by Sheldon Cottrell. Stubbs hit a six off the second ball, raising hopes, but Cottrell held his nerve, and South Africa finished on 170/7, falling 4 runs short.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Brandon King’s Explosive Start: King’s 36 off 22 set the tone for the Windies’ innings, putting South Africa’s bowlers under pressure early.
- Bjorn Fortuin’s Spin Magic: Fortuin’s 2/26 in 4 overs was a game-changer, slowing down the Windies’ scoring rate and breaking their middle order.
- Reeza Hendricks’ Fifty: Hendricks’ 62 off 39 balls kept South Africa in the chase, but his dismissal at a crucial stage swung the momentum back to the Windies.
- Shamar Joseph’s Debut Impact: The young fast bowler’s pace and aggression troubled South Africa’s batters, and his wicket of Markram was a turning point.
- The Final Over Drama: Cottrell’s composure under pressure in the last over sealed a thrilling 4-run victory for the West Indies.
The Scorecard: A Detailed Breakdown
Below is the full scorecard for the match, laid out clearly for easy understanding. It includes batting and bowling figures for both teams, along with key details like fall of wickets and partnerships.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard T20I Scorecard
Match: 1st T20I, South Africa tour of West Indies, 2024
Date: August 23, 2024
Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad
Result: West Indies won by 4 runs
Toss: West Indies won and elected to bat
Player of the Match: Alick Athanaze (West Indies)
West Indies Innings (174/7, 20 overs)
Batsman |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brandon King |
c Rickelton b Baartman |
36 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 163.63 |
Alick Athanaze |
c van der Dussen b Fortuin |
44 | 38 | 4 | 0 | 115.78 |
Nicholas Pooran (wk) |
c Markram b Fortuin |
28 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 140.00 |
Rovman Powell (c) |
c Stubbs b Rabada |
15 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 107.14 |
Andre Russell |
c Hendricks b Jansen |
12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 120.00 |
Jason Holder |
c Fortuin b Rabada |
8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 114.28 |
Shamar Joseph |
not out |
18 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 225.00 |
Akeal Hosein |
c de Kock b Baartman |
5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 166.66 |
Romario Shepherd |
not out |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Extras |
(lb 2, w 4) |
6 | ||||
Total |
(7 wickets, 20 overs) |
174 | 16 | 3 |
Did Not Bat: Sheldon Cottrell, Obed McCoy
Fall of Wickets
-
52/1 (King, 5.3 overs)
-
98/2 (Pooran, 11.2 overs)
-
121/3 (Athanaze, 14.1 overs)
-
136/4 (Powell, 15.5 overs)
-
146/5 (Russell, 17.2 overs)
-
156/6 (Holder, 18.4 overs)
-
162/7 (Hosein, 19.1 overs)
South Africa Bowling
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
Wides |
No Balls |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marco Jansen |
4 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 8.50 | 2 | 0 |
Kagiso Rabada |
4 | 0 | 29 | 2 | 7.25 | 1 | 0 |
Ottniel Baartman |
4 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 9.50 | 0 | 0 |
Bjorn Fortuin |
4 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 6.50 | 0 | 0 |
Tabraiz Shamsi |
3 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 10.66 | 1 | 0 |
Aiden Markram |
1 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 13.00 | 0 | 0 |
South Africa Innings (170/7, 20 overs)
Batsman |
Dismissal |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reeza Hendricks |
c Hosein b Russell |
62 | 39 | 7 | 2 | 158.97 |
Ryan Rickelton |
c Powell b Hosein |
12 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 120.00 |
Aiden Markram (c) |
c Shepherd b Joseph |
32 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 133.33 |
Rassie van der Dussen |
c Powell b Holder |
14 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 93.33 |
Tristan Stubbs |
c Russell b Cottrell |
46 | 28 | 2 | 4 | 164.28 |
Donovan Ferreira |
c Pooran b Holder |
1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
Quinton de Kock (wk) |
not out |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
Marco Jansen |
c Athanaze b Cottrell |
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Bjorn Fortuin |
not out |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Extras |
(lb 1, w 2) |
3 | ||||
Total |
(7 wickets, 20 overs) |
170 | 15 | 7 |
Did Not Bat: Kagiso Rabada, Ottniel Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
Fall of Wickets
-
25/1 (Rickelton, 3.2 overs)
-
92/2 (Markram, 10.4 overs)
-
108/3 (Hendricks, 12.5 overs)
-
143/4 (van der Dussen, 16.3 overs)
-
145/5 (Ferreira, 17.1 overs)
-
170/6 (Stubbs, 19.4 overs)
-
170/7 (Jansen, 19.5 overs)
West Indies Bowling
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
Wides |
No Balls |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Akeal Hosein |
4 | 0 | 28 | 1 | 7.00 | 0 | 0 |
Sheldon Cottrell |
4 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 9.00 | 1 | 0 |
Obed McCoy |
3 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 11.33 | 0 | 0 |
Shamar Joseph |
3 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 8.33 | 1 | 0 |
Andre Russell |
3 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 8.00 | 0 | 0 |
Jason Holder |
3 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 7.33 | 0 | 0 |
Match Details
-
Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite (WI), Nigel Duguid (WI)
-
TV Umpire: Leslie Reifer (WI)
-
Match Referee: Richie Richardson (WI)
-
Debuts: Shamar Joseph (WI), Ottniel Baartman, Ryan Rickelton (SA)
-
World Test Championship Points: Not applicable (T20I match)
Why This Match Mattered
This T20I wasn’t just about the result—it was a showcase of emerging talent and a reminder of the fine margins in T20 cricket. For the West Indies, the win was a confidence booster ahead of the T20 World Cup, proving they could hold their own against a strong South African side. Alick Athanaze’s composed 44 and Shamar Joseph’s fiery debut showed the depth in their squad. For South Africa, despite the loss, Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs’ performances highlighted their batting prowess, while Bjorn Fortuin’s bowling was a bright spot.
The match also had implications for the World Test Championship, as the tour included two Test matches that followed. While this T20I didn’t contribute to WTC points, it set the tone for a competitive series. South Africa’s bowlers, despite being expensive at times, showed they could adapt, while the Windies’ ability to defend a modest total underscored their T20 nous.
The Bigger Picture: South Africa National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry and Context
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry has always been exciting, with both teams bringing different strengths to the table. The Windies have a legacy of dominance in the 1970s and 1980s, with legends like Viv Richards and Malcolm Marshall. South Africa, since their readmission in 1991, have been a consistent force, with players like Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers leaving their mark. In recent years, both teams have been rebuilding, making matches like this one crucial for testing new talent.
In 2024, the West Indies were looking to reclaim their T20 glory, having won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016. South Africa, meanwhile, were chasing their first ICC title in a major tournament, having reached the T20 World Cup final in 2024 but lost to India. This match was a chance for both teams to make a statement.
What Fans Loved
If you were at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy or watching on TV, you’d have been on the edge of your seat. The crowd roared for every six, gasped at every wicket, and cheered the debutants who stepped up. Social media was abuzz with fans praising Hendricks’ elegance, Stubbs’ power-hitting, and Cottrell’s cool-headed final over. One X post summed it up: “What a game! Windies hold their nerve, but SA fought till the end. T20 cricket at its best!”
Looking Ahead
This match was just the start of the 2024 series, with two more T20Is and two Tests to follow. For the West Indies, the challenge was to maintain their momentum, while South Africa needed to regroup and refine their death-over strategy. Both teams took valuable lessons into the T20 World Cup, where they aimed to go deep into the tournament.
Final Thoughts
Cricket matches like this one remind us why we love the game. It had everything—big shots, tight bowling, debutant heroics, and a finish that kept everyone guessing. The scorecard tells the story of a 4-run thriller, but the real magic was in the moments that unfolded on the field. Whether you’re a kid watching your first game or a seasoned fan, this South Africa National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard was a reminder of cricket’s ability to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.