The West Indies claimed a narrow victory over South Africa in a reduced-overs third T20I at the Wanderers on Saturday.

After losing the first two T20Is, the West Indies won a match reduced to 10 overs a side by six runs according to the DLS method.

The threat of lightning delayed the start by 75 minutes and a scheduled 16 overs a side match was further reduced by another lightning stoppage.

Hope (48 off 25 balls) and Shimron Hetmyer (48* off 22) put on 86 off 41 balls for the second wicket in a total of 114-3.

Chasing an adjusted target of 125, the Proteas made 118-6.

HIGHLIGHTS: Proteas vs West Indies (3rd T20I)

Two West Indian bowlers, playing for the only time in the series, played crucial roles.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took 3-17 and was Mamed man of the Match, while fast bowler Shamar Joseph conceded only nine runs in the final over and struck a decisive blow when he bowled big-hitting Jason Smith, who made 26 off 10 balls.

“It’s very challenging when you are stopping and starting,” said Hope. “It’s more challenging batting first. I’m very happy with the strides we’re making. It’s good to see Shimron batting well and the bowlers are hitting their straps.”

Both teams will depart for India on Sunday for the T20 World Cup.

Proteas captain Aiden Markram said the frantic nature of Saturday’s match had been “a really good exercise for us” with players being put under pressure and several of them responding well.

He said there had been “a lot of good signs for us” after South Africa won the first two matches convincingly. “I think we’ve got all bases covered,” he said.

– AFP

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images