Squared West Indies-South Africa T20I series set for exciting decider

Overview:

West Indies vs South Africa, fifth T20ISt George's, Grenada3 July,02:00pm local

South Africa's dependable opener Quinton de Kock has been the lone ranger leading the Proteas riot in the series which stands at 2-2. de Kock has so far registered scores of 37, 26, 72 and 60 in the series totalling 195 - most runs in the series followed by Evin Lewis (126) and Rassie van der Dussen (96).

The visitors realise that they need to do their jobs as batters to provide support to the bowling department led by No.1 T20 bowler Tabrez Shamsi who also has the most wickets for South Africa in the series.

West Indies will be happy that they have finally found some form with the experienced players stepping up. Dwayne Bravo's consistent performance with the bowl has stabilised the hosts bowling department but it was skipper Kieron Pollard's return to touch with the bat that has replenished hopes for a series win in the decider.

Remember the last time

Despite adding 57 runs in the powerplay, West Indies were forced to rebuild the innings as Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, and Shimron Hetmyer failed to get going at the top. Lendl Simmons’ 47 and Kieron Pollard’s aggressive knock of 51* off 25 balls helped the hosts post 167/6.

South Africa in response flustered in their chase as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Quinton de Kock’s 43-ball 60 attempted to provide impetus to the run-chase, however, his efforts went in vain as the other batters disappointed. Dwayne Bravo registered his career-best figures of 4/19 to help Windies restrict the visitors to 146/9 and pick up a 21-run win.

What they said

Temba Bevuma (South Africa captain):“Our spinners came to the fore and set it up for us. But at the death, we won't like to put up a display like this. Shamsi has been brilliant. George has been good. The conditions have suited the slower bowlers. Momentum was on their side but we still had to do our job as batters. Quinton de Kock was the lone ranger. All to play for as it is 2-2.”

Kieron Pollard (West Indies captain): “A total team effort. Dwayne has been phenomenal. The chatter around these guys is very disappointing. He has nothing to prove to anyone. We all want to do well for the Caribbean.”