West Indies Fight Back from 83-7 to Reach 176-8 vs South Africa

Ahmedabad: (Web Desk) – A record-breaking eighth-wicket partnership between Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder powered West Indies to a competitive 176 for 8 against South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight clash on Thursday.

Coming together at a precarious 83 for 7, Shepherd and Holder added a remarkable 89 runs — the highest eighth-wicket partnership in T20 international history — to rescue their side from an early batting collapse.

Shepherd remained unbeaten on 52 off 37 deliveries, striking four towering sixes, while Holder narrowly missed his half-century, run out for 49 off 31 balls with three sixes, off the penultimate ball of the innings.

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Both teams entered the contest unbeaten in the tournament, each with five consecutive victories. South Africa captain Aiden Markram, familiar with conditions after playing most matches in Ahmedabad, opted to bowl after winning the toss.

West Indies began aggressively, scoring 17 runs off the opening over bowled by Keshav Maharaj, but momentum quickly shifted.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada struck early as captain Shai Hope edged his second delivery to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Although Shimron Hetmyer was reprieved by a dropped catch, he departed shortly after, followed by quick dismissals of Brandon King and Roston Chase.

From a promising 29 without loss, West Indies slipped to 43 for 4 inside four overs.

South Africa’s bowling attack was led by Lungi Ngidi, who finished with 3 for 30, while Rabada claimed 2 for 22 and Corbin Bosch picked up 2 for 31.

Despite the early setbacks, the late-order resistance ensured West Indies posted a challenging total in a high-stakes Super Eight encounter.