West Indies registers victory against South Africa in 4th T20I

Dwayne Bravo’s career-best T20I figures of four for 19 led the West Indies to a successful defence of a modest total as the home side pulled off a series-levelling 21-run victory over South Africa in the fourth match of the five-game series on Thursday.

Set a target of 168 after captain Kieron Pollard belted an unbeaten 51 off 25 balls with five sixes and two fours to lift the West Indies to 167 for six, the Proteas relied heavily on the consistent Quinton de Kock in their quest to clinch the contest ahead of the final match on Saturday at the same venue.

However his dismissal to Bravo for a top score of 60 at the start of the 18th over was the death-knell for the visitors’ effort.

The ebullient all-rounder added two more victims in what was the final over of his allottment to ensure that the last encounter of this



South African tour will have the feel of a final.

South Africa finished on 146 for nine and will be concerned about the fitness of key pacer Anrich Nortje, who took a painful blow on the left knee in the midst of Pollard’s late assault.

Pollard’s innings and an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 66 with Fabien Allen (19 not out) were critical in giving the Caribbean side a fighting chance after they were put in to bat for the first time in the series.

“I was just happy to be there at the end to make an important contribution,” said the West Indies captain.

“I must commend Bravo’s effort with the ball as well, especially as he has faced a lot of unnecessary criticism with people saying he is too old now to be a productive member of this team.”