Aiden Markram-led South Africa qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup, from Group 2, following a thrilling three-wicket win (DLS method) over co-hosts West Indies in the Super 8s on Sunday (June 23, local time) in Antigua. With defending champions England already qualifying from the same group, the clash between Proteas and the co-hosts became a virtual quarterfinal where the former kept their nerves to chase down 123 in a rain-affected clash. After qualifying ahead, Markram made it clear that Proteas won’t be ‘brain-washed’ despite semis berth.

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After the match, Markram said, “A lot of relief to get through to the semi-final. Not going to be brain-washed by that. We would have liked to be more convincing with bat in hand. After the rain break, the wicket was playing nicely. Did not get the partnerships to then kill the game. Tried to kill it (the chase) too early. Massive for us and fantastic for the change room but hopefully we can avoid those tricky situations (moving forward).”

Markram further opined, “I thought we bowled really well, assessed conditions and kept them to a sub-par total. Just appreciating and understanding the need to build partnerships. Big fan of trying to kill the game early but tonight, we just did that a little early and a good lesson to learn from today. Hopefully we do not repeat that (mistake).”

He added, “The bowling unit has been firing for us, which has been fantastic. Being more clinical with the bat, understanding when it is time to take it on and when to knock it around.”

SA huffed and puffed to reach the revised target — chasing 123 in a 17-over contest — as they were tottering at 15-2 and were further reduced to 110 for 7. Marco Jansen smacked a six off the first ball of the final over, by Obed McCoy, to take his side home. From the Proteas, the likes of Triston Stubss (29), Heinrich Klaasen (22) and Jansen (21 not out) came up with vital contributions, despite best efforts from West Indies bowlers Roston Chase (3 for 12), Alzarri Joseph (2 for 25) and Andre Russell (2 for 19).

With the ball, Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 27) stood tall for Markram & Co., who also won the Player-of-the-Match award, after restricting Rovman Powell-led side to 135 for 8 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first.

With this win, SA have topped their group as well. They have won seven games on the trot to be the only unbeaten side in the 20-nation tournament, being held in West Indies and the USA, along with India, however, almost all their games have gone down to the wire. 

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