T20 WC: Proteas crush West Indies by nine wickets in thrilling Super Eight clash

Both teams entered the match undefeated, but it was the Proteas who asserted dominance from the outset.

West Indies posted a competitive 176-8, with Romario Shepherd top-scoring with an unbeaten 52 from 37 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Jason Holder supported ably with 49 from 31 deliveries, combining with Shepherd for a record eighth-wicket partnership of 89 runs off 59 balls.

Earlier, Shai Hope (16) and Brandon King (21) fell to Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, and Matthew Forde were all dismissed by the South African attack.

Ngidi led the bowling charge with 3-30 from four overs, while Rabada and Corbin Bosch chipped in with two wickets each. Marco Jansen was economical at the death, conceding 50 runs in his four overs.

South Africa's reply was clinical. Aiden Markram anchored the chase with a blistering 82* from 46 balls, striking seven fours and several sixes, including a powerful drive over long-on and a midwicket six off Rickelton.

Quinton de Kock added 47 from 24 balls with four legside sixes, and Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 45 from 28 balls. A 14th-over flourish between Markram and Rickelton yielded 19 runs, effectively sealing the game with 3.5 overs to spare.

The victory keeps South Africa undefeated in the Super Eight stage and positions them on the brink of a semi-final berth, likely secured on net run-rate even if they falter against Zimbabwe in their final match.

The West Indies, despite late resistance from Shepherd and Holder, were unable to capitalise on a strong start and now face an uphill battle to progress.