South Africa vs West Indies Commentary
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South Africa vs West Indies Commentary
SA vs WI 1st T20I Commentary - Paarl (27 January 2026)
South Africa
176-1 (17.5)
Match Ended
South Africa beat West Indies by 9 wickets
West Indies
173-7 (20.0)
WI • 1st innings
173/7
SA • 2nd innings
176/1
All
Overs
W
6s
4s
17.1
2
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
On a length and on middle, Markram tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Just 10 runs needed now.
17.2
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Fuller and on middle and leg, Markram flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
17.3
1
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Short of a length and on off, Rickelton pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
17.4
6
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
SIX! Shot of the match so far! Jason Holder bangs this into the pitch and around off. Aiden Markram backs away to give himself some room, extends his arms and plays it like a tennis player to flat-bat it over the long off fence for a biggie. Just 2 to win now.
17.5
4
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Aiden Markram hits the winning runs! Jason Holder goes short again and on middle, Markram picks up the length early and pulls it between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 9 WICKETS!
16.1
1
Romario Shepherd to Ryan Rickelton
Fuller and on off, Rickelton drives it to long off for a single.
16.2
0
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Nails the yorker, on middle, tailing in, Markram gets his bat down in time to dig it out.
16.3
1
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Full and on leg, Markram flicks it away to deep square leg for a run.
16.4
1
Romario Shepherd to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length and around off, Ryan punches it through covers for another run.
16.5
2
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Good fielding! Short of a length and outside off, Markram cuts it wide of point. Joseph dives to his right and gets a hand on it to make a half-stop. He gets up and goes after it to keep it down to two runs. This is now Markram's highest T20I score.
16.6
1
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Another yorker, on middle, Markram jams it out to long on for a single.
Till Now Score: 162/1
(17 Overs)
A Markram
73(43)
R Rickelton
39(31)
R Shepherd
3-0-29-0
Over 17 ·162 Runs
1
0
1
1
2
1
15.1
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Short of a length and around leg, Markram backs away and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
15.2
0
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Fuller and angling into leg, Rickelton looks to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye taken. Rickelton is not happy with himself, as this was there to be put away.
15.3
4
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Pierced the gap perfectly! Pitched up, almost in the blockhole, on off. Markram opens the face of his bat late and squeezes it between short third and backward point for a boundary.
15.4
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Fuller and on leg, Markram glances it to deep fine leg for one. 22 needed in 26 now.
15.5
1WD
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
WIDE! Back of a length but a bit too outside off, Rickelton tries to cut but misses. Given as a wide.
15.5
2
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Fuller and around off, Rickelton reaches out and forces it wide of sweeper cover and calls his partner for the second. Markram is running to the danger end, and Joseph throws it to the bowler, but Markram gets in.
15.6
1
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Overpitched and on off, Rickelton drills it to long off for one.
Till Now Score: 156/1
(16 Overs)
R Rickelton
37(29)
A Markram
69(39)
J Holder
3-0-27-0
Over 16 ·156 Runs
1
0
4
1
1WD
2
1
14.1
1
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Slower, full and on leg, Rickelton tucks it towards square leg for a single.
14.2
1
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
Short of a length and outside off, Markram punches it wide of sweeper cover for a run. Rickelton sets off for the second but is sent back. The throw from the deep is a weak one and to the wrong end as well. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.
14.3
6
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
SIX! Gets all of it! Banged into the pitch but around leg. Rickelton gets inside the line of it and just helps it on its way over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.
14.4
2
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
On a length and on leg, Ryan tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the secone run.
14.5
2
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Pitched up and on off, Rickelton lobs it past the bowler towards long off for another couple of runs.
14.6
2
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Fuller and on off, RR drills it towards long off and takes him. Turns around for the second and makes it easily. Excellent running between the wickets!
Till Now Score: 145/1
(15 Overs)
R Rickelton
34(26)
A Markram
63(36)
J Seales
3-0-29-0
Over 15 ·145 Runs
1
1
6
2
2
2
13.1
0
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Slower one, on a length and around off, Markram guides it to backward point.
13.2
1
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Fuller and angling into leg, Markram comes forwad and heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.
13.3
0
Romario Shepherd to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length and on off, Rickelton punches it straight to extra cover.
13.4
0
Romario Shepherd to Ryan Rickelton
Swing and a miss! Clever change of pace from Shepherd. He bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Rickelton goes through his pull miles early and fails to connect.
13.5
1
Romario Shepherd to Ryan Rickelton
A full toss, outside off, Rickelton swings hard and slices it in the air. It drops well ahead of long off. They cross.
13.6
1WD
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
WIDE! Short of a length but down the leg side, Markram leaves it alone. Called a wide.
13.6
4
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
FOUR! That spoils the over! Romario Shepherd tries the yorker but just strays into the leg side. Aiden Markram just has to get some bat on it with fine leg up in the circle and tickles it away to the fence for a boundary. The extra ball cost the Windies here.
Till Now Score: 131/1
(14 Overs)
A Markram
62(35)
R Rickelton
21(21)
R Shepherd
2-0-23-0
Over 14 ·131 Runs
0
1
0
0
1
1WD
4
12.1
1
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
Fuller and outside off, Markram reaches out and carves it to sweeper cover for a single.
12.2
0
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length and on middle and leg, Rickelton gets cramped up and pats it to the leg side.
12.3
0
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Bangs in a quick short ball, on middle. Rickelton goes for the pull but gets beaten by the pace as it goes off his body towards point.
12.4
1
Jayden Seales to Ryan Rickelton
Uppish but safe! Short of a length and on leg, Rickelton looks to clip it away but gets a leading edge. It lobs up in the air and safely in the vacant square leg region. They cross.
12.5
4
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Put away! Hard-length delivery, outside off, takes pace off. Markram reads it early, gets on top of it and slaps it through extra cover for a boundary.
12.6
1
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
Fuller and on off, angling in. Markram backs away, waits for it and stabs it from right in front of the stumps towards short third for one. 50 needed in 42 balls now.
Till Now Score: 124/1
(13 Overs)
A Markram
57(32)
R Rickelton
20(18)
J Seales
2-0-15-0
Over 13 ·124 Runs
1
0
0
1
4
1
11.1
1
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Short and around off, Ryan punches it through cover-point for a single.
11.2
1
Roston Chase to Aiden Markram
Flatter, full and on middle, Markram drills it to long on for a run.
11.3
6
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
SIX! Ryan Rickelton goes big now! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Rickelton goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
11.4
0
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Fires this full and outside off, RR jams it out to short cover.
11.5
0
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
DROPPED! Tossed up, full and on off, Rickelton tries to smack it down the ground but fails to get under it. He hits it flat and hard, uppishly back to the bowler. Chase gets both hands on it but fails to hold on to it. The Windies have to take even the half-chances to get back in this game.
11.6
2
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Flatter, full and on middle, Rickelton clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Till Now Score: 117/1
(12 Overs)
R Rickelton
19(15)
A Markram
51(29)
R Chase
4-0-31-1
Over 12 ·117 Runs
1
1
6
0
0
2
10.1
6
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
SIX! That has gone miles! Akeal Hosein drops it short and around off, begging to be put away. Aiden Markram rocks back quickly and pulls it with disdain over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. 100 UP FOR THE PROTEAS!
10.2
1
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Tossed up, full and on middle, Markram drives it to long on for a single.
10.3
1
Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton
Slows it up, full and on off, Rickelton strides out and taps it towards extra cover for a run.
10.4
1
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Flatter, full and around off, Markram drills it to long off for another run.
10.5
1
Akeal Hosein to Ryan Rickelton
Flighted, full and on leg, Rickelton goes down and sweeps it to deep square leg for one.
10.6
2
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
FIFTY FOR MARKRAM! A fantastic half-century from him, his has come in quick time as well, just 28 balls. This is short and on off, Aiden Markram moves back and punches it wide of long off and calls for the second run. Rickelton has to hurry to the other but makes his ground.
Till Now Score: 107/1
(11 Overs)
A Markram
50(28)
R Rickelton
10(10)
A Hosein
3-0-31-0
Over 11 ·107 Runs
6
1
1
1
1
2
9.1
4
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
FOUR! Nicely done! Tossed up full, on the middle and off. Rickelton brings out the reverse sweep and gets it toward the deep backward point region for a clever boundary.
9.2
0
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Flatter arm ball, on off. Knocked toward the right of the bowler.
9.3
1
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Quicker length ball, on the leg. Rickelton works it through mid-wicket for a single.
9.4
1
Roston Chase to Aiden Markram
Flatter and quicker on off. Markram lifts it toward long off for one more.
9.5
1
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Quicker arm ball, outside the leg pole. Rickelton makes room and knocks it toward deep mid-wicket for one.
9.6
1
Roston Chase to Aiden Markram
Flighted full, turning into off. Markram flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. At the halfway mark, the Proteas are 95/1. They need another 79 off the next ten overs.
Till Now Score: 95/1
(10 Overs)
A Markram
40(24)
R Rickelton
8(8)
R Chase
3-0-21-1
Over 10 ·95 Runs
4
0
1
1
1
1
8.1
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Fuller than a length, outside off. Driven nicely toward long off for one.
8.2
0
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Back of a length, just outside off. Rickelton rides the bounce and steers it toward backward point.
8.3
1
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Pace off on a length, on off. Knocked down to long on for a single.
8.4
0
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Slower ball on a length, just outside off. Markram looks to cut gets cramped and ends up chopping into the off-side.
8.5
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
Slower and shorter, around off. Markram advances and half pulls it toward long on for one.
8.6
1
Jason Holder to Ryan Rickelton
Yorker length ball, at the stumps. Rickelton bunts it past the bowler and toward mid off for a single.
Till Now Score: 87/1
(9 Overs)
R Rickelton
2(4)
A Markram
38(22)
J Holder
2-0-17-0
Over 9 ·87 Runs
1
0
1
0
1
1
7.1
4
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! No need to run for it! Fuller and quicker on off. Pretorius dances down and smashes it over the bowler's head. Chase, on his follow-through, tries to get his hands up quickly, but it is hit very hard, and brushes his fingers to race away to the fence behind for a boundary.
7.2
1
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Tad short, outside off. Chopped into covers for a single.
7.3
1
Roston Chase to Aiden Markram
Flatter arm ball, around off. Markram carves it toward deep backward point for a single.
7.4
2
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Tad short, quicker, on the middle. Pretorius half pulls it past the bowler, down to long on for two more.
7.5
W
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
OUT! TAKEN! CHASE GETS THE MUCH-NEEDED WICKET. Looped up full, on the middle and leg stump line. Pretorius sits on his knee and slogs it hard and flat toward deep mid-wicket, where Forde takes a sharp catch tumbling to his left. Pretorius departs for a well-made 44. South Africa lose their first after a solid opening stand.
7.6
0
Roston Chase to Ryan Rickelton
Flatter arm ball, on middle. Rickelton knocks it back to the bowler.
Till Now Score: 83/1
(8 Overs)
R Rickelton
0(1)
A Markram
36(19)
R Chase
2-0-13-1
Over 8 ·83 Runs
4
1
1
2
W
0
6.1
1
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Tossed up on a length, on off. Pretorius knocks it toward the wide of mid on for one.
6.2
1
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Flatter, just outside off. Markram cuts this to deep cover point for a single.
6.3
1
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
On a length, on the middle and leg. Pretorius hangs back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one more.
6.4
1
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Tossed up full, on the leg. Markram works it through mid-wicket for one.
6.5
1
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Flatter on off. Pretorius reverses it toward a deep backward point for a single.
6.6
2
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Tad short, around off. Markram goes back and pulls it toward the vacant wide long on region for a brace.
Till Now Score: 75/0
(7 Overs)
A Markram
35(18)
L Pretorius
37(24)
A Hosein
2-0-19-0
Over 7 ·75 Runs
1
1
1
1
1
2
5.1
6
Romario Shepherd to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
SIX! Clean strike! Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Pretorius picks it early and pumps it over long on for half a dozen.
5.2
4
Romario Shepherd to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! What a shot! Slower ball on the length, around off. Pretorius gets the bottom hand into play and pulls it through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.
5.3
1
Romario Shepherd to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Another slower ball on a fullish length, just outside off. Pretorius drags it through square leg for one.
5.4
2
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
Pace off on a length, on the leg. Markram works it through the gap at backward square leg for a couple.
5.5
1WD
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
WIDE! Slower and shorter, angling down the leg. Markram looks to pull but misses. Wide signaled by the umpire.
5.5
1
Romario Shepherd to Aiden Markram
On a length, on the leg pole. Markram flicks it toward deep mid-wicket for one.
5.6
1
Romario Shepherd to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Yorker length delivery, just outside off. Pretorius bunts it past the bowler and down the ground for a single. South Africa are 68/0 after the Powerplay.
Till Now Score: 68/0
(6 Overs)
L Pretorius
34(21)
A Markram
31(15)
R Shepherd
1-0-16-0
Over 6 ·68 Runs
6
4
1
2
1WD
1
1
4.1
4
Jason Holder to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! Holder is greeted with a boundary! Back of a length, outside off. Pretorius rides the bounce and steers it through the gap at backward point and the point fielder for a lovely boundary.
4.2
1
Jason Holder to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Fuller than a length, outside off. Drilled toward the wide of mid off region and they take a single.
4.3
6
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
SIX! ALL THE WAY! Full pitcher on the leg. Markram picks it early and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Also, 50 up for South Africa inside 5 overs!
4.4
1
Jason Holder to Aiden Markram
IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Short of a good length, shaping away, around off. Markram looks to hit it on the up, but miscues the loft toward the extra cover region, where Hosein puts down a simple chance. Single taken.
4.5
0
Jason Holder to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Back of a length on off. Pretorius gets on top of the bounce and defends into the off side.
4.6
1
Jason Holder to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Back of a length again, on off and middle. Pretorius swat-pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Till Now Score: 52/0
(5 Overs)
L Pretorius
22(17)
A Markram
28(13)
J Holder
1-0-13-0
Over 5 ·52 Runs
4
1
6
1
0
1
3.1
0
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Fuller and quicker, at the stumps. Pretorius bunts it back to the bowler.
3.2
4
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! Over the top! Flighted full, on off. Pretorious shimmies down and lifts it over the bowler, toward straightish long on for a thumping boundary.
3.3
0
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Flatter on the middle. Pretorius drags it toward short mid-wicket.
3.4
0
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Tossed up around off. Pretorius mistimes the slog toward mid on for none.
3.5
0
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Darted full, on the leg. Pretorius misses the flick and wears on the pad. Three dots in a row.
3.6
1
Roston Chase to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Fired in on the middle and leg. Pretorius bunts it toward mid on for a quick single. Just 5 runs off the fourth over.
Till Now Score: 39/0
(4 Overs)
L Pretorius
16(13)
A Markram
21(11)
R Chase
1-0-5-0
Over 4 ·39 Runs
0
4
0
0
0
1
2.1
4
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! He made it look so easy! Tossed up full, just outside off. Pretorius makes room and drills it past the bowler and down the ground for a boundary to start the over.
2.2
1
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Flatter delivery on off. Pretorius works it through the gap at mid-wicket for one.
2.3
1WD
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
WIDE! Quicker arm ball, sliding down the leg. Markram lets it go. Wide signaled.
2.3
1
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
On a length, attacking the stumps. Punched down to long off for one.
2.4
1
Akeal Hosein to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Tossed up on a length, on off. Pretorius shimmies down and nudges it toward backward square leg for one.
2.5
0
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
Flatter arm ball, on off. Markram stays back and knocks it toward short extra cover.
2.6
4
Akeal Hosein to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Punished! Hosein drops it short, on off. Markram rocks back and forces the pull through wide of mid-on for a boundary to end the over. After three overs, South Africa are 34/0.
Till Now Score: 34/0
(3 Overs)
A Markram
21(11)
L Pretorius
11(7)
A Hosein
1-0-12-0
Over 3 ·34 Runs
4
1
1WD
1
1
0
4
1.1
0
Jayden Seales to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Fuller than a good length, shapes back into off. Pretorius comes forward and defends it toward mid on.
1.2
4
Jayden Seales to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
FOUR! That sounded so good off the bat! Short of a good length, around off. Pretorius presses forward and times it nicely through covers for a glorious boundary.
1.3
0
Jayden Seales to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
LEG BYE! Fuller than a length on the leg. Pretorius misses the flick and it rolls off the pad toward backward square leg for a leg bye.
1.4
0
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
Back of a length, on off. Markram gets on top of the bounce and knocks it toward short extra cover.
1.5
0
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
Skiddy, short of a good length ball, angled into middle. Markram flicks it to the man at short mid-wicket.
1.6
4
Jayden Seales to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Up and over! Fuller than a length, around off. Markram plays a lovely lofted drive over covers for a majestic boundary to end the over. South Africa are off to a brisk start.
Till Now Score: 22/0
(2 Overs)
A Markram
16(8)
L Pretorius
5(4)
J Seales
1-0-8-0
Over 2 ·22 Runs
0
4
0
0
0
4
Jayden Seales will share the attack.
0
Time for spin. Akeal Hosein comes into the attack..
0
Ryan Rickelton joins Markram in the middle.
0
DRINKS! South Africa are crusing along this chase, thanks to the explosive start from their openers. Lhuan-dre Pretorius led the way, but got out just before his fifty. However, Aiden Markram is continuing to attack, and at the moment, it looks like they will chase this down with many balls to spare. West Indies need someone to step up and deliver something special, as only wickets can get them back in this game. Also, Akeal Hosein to bowl after the break,
0
That’s a Wrap from Paarl - That brings us to the end of an entertaining contest, where South Africa take a 1–0 lead and will now look to seal the series in the next game. West Indies, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back, level the series, and force a decider. For the second T20I, the action moves to SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, 29th January, with the match set to begin at 4 pm GMT. As always, you can join us early for all the build-up and coverage. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
0
0.1
1
Matthew Forde to Lhuan-dre Pretorius
The Proteas are away with a single. Back of a length, angling into off. Pretorius tucks it toward the gap at backward square leg for a single.
0.2
4
Matthew Forde to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and wide outside off. Markram leans into it and creams the drive through covers for a boundary to get off the mark.
0.3
0
Matthew Forde to Aiden Markram
Fuller than a good length, on off. Markram knocks it toward the man at mid off.
0.4
4
Matthew Forde to Aiden Markram
FOUR! Lovely! Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Markram gets forward and drives it through extra cover and wide of mid-off for a classy boundary.
0.5
0
Matthew Forde to Aiden Markram
Tight line and length on off. Markram gets forward and defends from the crease.
0.6
4
Matthew Forde to Aiden Markram
FOUR MORE! Sublime! Fuller than a good length, around off. Markram gets on the front foot and times it through the gap at covers for a third boundary in the over. 13 runs off the opening over in the chase of 174.
Till Now Score: 13/0
(1 Overs)
A Markram
12(5)
L Pretorius
1(1)
M Forde
1-0-13-0
Over 1 ·13 Runs
1
4
0
4
0
4