Alzarri Joseph stuns Proteus to win West Indies series

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph put in a great performance West Indies on a Tuesday evening when the tourists kept their composure to triumph over South Africafinishing with a 2-1 triumph in the third and final T20 International at the Wanderers.

While the Proteas were chasing 221 runs, Riza Hendrix and Riley Rossow shared 80 runs for the second wicket to lay the home team’s platform.

However, Rossow fell behind Jason Holder’s serve, hitting 42 of 21 in the 11th round, causing him to collapse.

Joseph Strikes

Hendrix went on to hit a career-best 83 runs in 44 innings, including 11 fours and two sixes, but he was sent off by Joseph in the penultimate over and the Windies speedster bowled brilliantly, limiting the hosts to 213/6.

Joseph returned a career-best 5/40 which ultimately prevented the South African team’s average order from gaining momentum and ended his team’s hard-fought victory.

Proteus Dough by Riza Hendrix — *_{Protean batter Rhys Hendrix made a valiant effort against the West Indies. Photo: Gallo Images}*

Previously, striker Romario Shepherd helped boost the touring team’s total membership after the West Indies lost the toss and were sent to bat.

While none of their batters actually made money, the Windies roster did their best, initially led by Brandon King (36 of 25) and Nicholas Puran (41 of 19). But in the end, it was Shepherd who carried them.

Batting at number nine, Shepherd pitched 44 unbeaten runs with 22 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes along the way, scoring his team’s best record and helping them reach 220/8.

Proteas bowlers

Like their batsman opponents, the Proteas bowlers matched well with the ball, and while they struggled to keep the patrons at bay, they succeeded in stopping them from building big partnerships.

Fast bowlers Henrich Nortier (2/36), Lungi Ngidi (2/45) and Kagiso Rabada (2/50) led the charge, taking two wickets each, but their efforts weren’t enough as Joseph ended up stealing the show.

South Africa will now play the Netherlands in two ODI deciders on Friday and Sunday and they need to win both for a chance to automatically qualify for the World Cup in India later this year.