• West Indies defeated South Africa by 28 runs in the first T20I.
• Brandon King was the top scorer with 79 runs.
• The win gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

In the first T20I held in Kingston on Thursday, the West Indies triumphed over South Africa by a margin of 28 runs.

Brandon King, the acting captain, demonstrated his prowess by scoring 79 runs from 45 balls, filling in for the regular skipper Rovman Powell, who was participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Windies’ victory over South Africa was largely due to King’s exceptional innings, during which he hit six sixes and six fours. The team managed to score 175 for 8 in the allotted 20 overs.

For the visiting side, Andile Phehlukwayo and Ottniel Baartman each took three wickets.

Despite a valiant effort from South African batsman Reeza Hendricks, who notched up his 15th T20I half-century, the team could only muster a total of 147 runs, all out. Hendricks contributed 87 runs from 51 deliveries.

The West Indies’ success was further bolstered by commendable bowling performances from spinner Gudakesh Motie, who took 3/25, and fast bowler Mathew Forde, who claimed 3/27.

Despite the South African team’s efforts during their innings, they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

King, who was named Player of the Match, discussed the team’s strategic approach on the challenging pitch.

“I know the conditions well, which was an advantage,” King, who was playing on his home ground at Sabina Park, stated. “We knew we had to go hard against the new ball as it’d get tougher later. We had 200-220 in mind as we had wickets in hand but fell short on a tough pitch.”

In anticipation of the upcoming T20 World Cup, both teams will need to refine their skills and strategies by performing well in the upcoming matches scheduled to take place in Kingston.