Tahir became the fourth-fastest bowler in ODI history to take 100 wickets
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Imran Tahir claimed a career-best seven wickets and Hashim Amla scored a spectacular century to guide South Africa to a 139-run win over the West Indies in St Kitts.
West Indies captain Jason Holder would have been regretting his decision to bowl first as Amla and his opening partner, Quinton de Kock, amassed a 182-run partnership, during which Amla brought up his 23rd ODI century and De Kock his half-century, to build a strong foundation for the Proteas.
Kieron Pollard provided the breakthrough the West Indies so sorely needed as he dismissed Amla for 110, which came off 99 balls and included 13 boundaries.
Amla celebrates after bringing up his 23rd ODI century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
De Kock was on his way back to the pavilion the very next over as he was clean bowled by Jerome Taylor for 71, which came off 103 deliveries and included six boundaries.
De Kock scored his sixth ODI fifty
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Despite losing Amla and De Kock in quick succession, Chris Morris and Faf du Plessis continued to take the attack to the hosts as they put together a 60-run stand before Morris was removed for a quickfire 40.
Du Plessis and captain AB de Villiers kept the runs flowing with a 64-run partnership, during which Du Plessis registered his half-century, before De Villiers was dismissed by Pollard for 27.
South Africa eventually finished on 343/4 off their 50 overs thanks to Du Plessis’ unbeaten knock of 73, which came off 50 deliveries and included six boundaries and two sixes.
Du Plessis made his 22nd ODI fifty
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pollard was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Taylor and Carlos Brathwaite chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Chasing 344 to win, the West Indie got off to a strong start as openers Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles accumulated a 69-run partnership before Fletcher, who scored 21, became Tahir’s first victim.
Charles was just one run shy of his half-century when he was sent packing by Tabraiz Shamsi and Darren Bravo followed him back to the pavilion soon after as he was clean bowled by Wayne Parnell for 11.
Following Bravo’s dismissal, Tahir wreaked havoc on the West Indies’ middle and lower order as he sliced through the batting line-up with ease.
With none of the West Indies batsmen having any idea on how to combat Tahir, they ended up being bowled out for 204.
Tahir, who surpassed 100 ODI wickets, was easily the most successful bowler with seven wickets, while Shamsi snapped up two and Parnell claimed one.
Holder was disappointed with his side’s performance, and said: “Obviously disappointed. We were totally outplayed by South Africa. We leaked too may runs in the first 10 overs. Credit should go to Amla. I won’t change my mind about the toss. We just din’t bowl well.”
De Villiers was thrilled to have won in such convincing fashion, and said: “Like I said at the toss, I wanted to bowl first. But we have a lot of talent at the top order. It went according to the plan today. We weren’t 10/10 but much better performance than the last three games. We have played only 60% in the first three matches. Very chuffed about today. Tough for batsmen to pick both Immy and Shamsi. It’s easy to captain both. We are on 10 points and one [win] out of two [matches] will take us through.”
Tahir was named Man of the Match, and said: “I am really pleased and my wife rang me and reminded me about the record [fastest South African to 100 ODI wickets]. I didn’t know in the first place. Shamsi bowled well and we were in the game most of the time. Shamsi is a great talent and is like a brother to me. I have been hearing Barbados is a batting track and looking forward to the challenge.”