South Africa defeated West Indies by eight wickets in their second Super 12 fixture of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 144 runs, South Africa posted 144 for two in 18.2 overs with Aiden Markram smashing an unbeaten half-century (51 off 26 balls).
Rassie van der Dussen also remained unbeaten after playing a knock of 43 in 51 deliveries. Initially, West Indies posted 143 for eight in 20 overs.
Evin Lewis gave his side a strong start with a knock of 56 off 35 balls but after his departure, West Indies suffered a batting collapse.
Dwaine Pretorius was in top bowling form for South Africa and took three wickets in two overs.
West Indies captain Kieron Pollard on Tuesday said “education is key” in the anti-racism movement but refused to get into the debate about South African star Quinton de Kock’s controversial pull-out before their Twenty20 World Cup clash.
Defending champions West Indies lost their second successive match of the tournament after going down to South Africa by eight wickets, but the match was overshadowed by De Kock’s refusal to take the knee in Dubai.
De Kock opted out of the Super 12 game after Cricket South Africa ordered its players to lend support to the Black Lives Matter campaign endorsed by many in the sporting world.
“You guys know our thoughts on this matter. It’s something that we feel strongly about as a team and as a people, as well, and we will continue to do it,” Pollard said on taking the knee ahead of every game.
“Each and everyone has their own opinions on it, but as I’ve always said, once you’re educated and you understand, we will understand you doing it, but I think education sort of is the key, and we don’t want anyone doing it for us in solitude or to feel sorry for us.—AFP
