South Africa Resist West Indies’ Rally to Reach Semi-finals of T20 World Cup In a nail-biting encounter at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, South Africa held their nerve to defeat West Indies by eight wickets and secure their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup. West Indies, batting first, posted a challenging total of 169/6 thanks to half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran (56) and Jason Holder (56 not out). South Africa’s bowlers, led by Tabraiz Shamsi (2/23) and Dwaine Pretorius (2/29), kept the West Indies in check in the middle overs. In response, South Africa lost skipper Temba Bavuma early, but Aiden Markram (51 not out) and Rassie van der Dussen (43) put on a solid 81-run partnership to set the foundation for the chase. As wickets began to fall, West Indies mounted a late rally, with Roston Chase (35 not out) and Holder leading the charge. However, South Africa’s bowlers, including Lungi Ngidi (1/36) and Pretorius (1/43), held their composure to prevent the West Indies from taking the match away. Markram played a crucial role in the chase, anchoring the innings and finding boundaries when needed. He also forged a crucial partnership of 43 with David Miller (23) to all but seal the victory. With just three deliveries remaining, Markram drove Chase through extra cover for a boundary, securing South Africa’s victory and sending them into the last four. West Indies crashed out of the tournament, despite a valiant effort in the Super 12s. Their top-order batting, led by Evin Lewis and Pooran, showed signs of promise, but their middle and lower order failed to provide consistent support. South Africa, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their hard-fought win. Their bowlers have been in superb form throughout the tournament, and their batters have shown they can respond to pressure situations. In the semi-finals, South Africa will face either Australia or Pakistan, while West Indies’ campaign will end with this disappointing defeat.South Africa Triumph in T20 World Cup Quarterfinal Over West IndiesSouth Africa Triumph in T20 World Cup Quarterfinal Over West Indies South Africa secured a hard-fought three-wicket victory against the West Indies in their T20 World Cup quarterfinal match in Antigua. Despite facing a tense finish, the Proteas emerged victorious thanks to a crucial performance from Marco Jansen. West Indies started cautiously, losing both Shai Hope and Nicolas Pooran early on. However, Roston Chase and Kyle Mayers steadied the innings with a 84-run partnership for the third wicket. But their momentum was halted by Tabraiz Shamsi, who claimed Mayers’ wicket for 35. West Indies continued to lose wickets in quick succession, with Shamsi adding the scalps of Chase and Sherfane Rutherford. Andre Russell provided some late fireworks with a pair of sixes, guiding West Indies to a total of 135 for eight. South Africa’s chase started well, with Reeza Hendricks and Quentin de Kock contributing early runs. But the West Indies fought back, with Russell dismissing both openers in the second over. A rain delay forced a revised target of 123 from 17 overs, which gave South Africa an advantage. Aiden Markram contributed 18 runs before being dismissed, but Heinrich Klaasen’s 22 and Tristan Stubbs’ 29 kept South Africa in the hunt. However, Alzarri Joseph’s wicket of Klaasen and Chase’s dismissal of Stubbs set up a tense finish. With five runs required in the final over, Jansen stepped up and smashed the first ball for a six. His heroics secured the victory for South Africa, sending them into the semi-finals as the top team in their group. England will join them in the last four. Tabraiz Shamsi, who finished with figures of 3 for 27, was named player of the match. He acknowledged the challenges faced by South Africa but praised their ability to find a way to win. The semi-finals will take place on Thursday, June 27, with South Africa facing the second-placed team from Group One and England facing the group winners. The final is scheduled for June 29.South Africa booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup with a five-wicket victory over the West Indies in Perth on Friday. Chasing 144, South Africa reached their target with two balls to spare to secure second place in Group 2 behind Zimbabwe. Devon Conway top-scored for South Africa with 46, while Aiden Markram contributed an unbeaten 26. For the West Indies, Akeal Hosein took two wickets. Earlier, Jason Holder struck an unbeaten 36 off 25 balls to help the West Indies post 143-9. Rovman Powell scored 28, while Obed McCoy made 24. Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3-25. The victory extends South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament to five matches. They will face England in the semi-finals in Adelaide on Wednesday.