T20 World Cup: Shepherd and Holder Power West Indies to 176/8

In their second Super Eight match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, West Indies defeated South Africa with a competitive total of 176 runs thanks to a pivotal late partnership between Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.

Despite a poor start, West Indies, batting first, achieved 176-8 in their allocated 20 overs. Both captain Shai Hope and opener Brandon King got off to a fast start, scoring runs and drawing boundaries with ease.

Kagiso Rabada took the wicket and ended the 29-run opening stand as Hope was removed for 16 off six deliveries, including a four and two sixes, giving the Proteas an opening.

Soon after, Shimron Hetmyer was dismissed cheaply by Rabada for two off three deliveries, putting the West Indies at a precarious 31-2 in 2.5 overs.

Lungi Ngidi took two more wickets, dismissing King for 21 off 11 balls, including five fours, and Roston Chase for two off two deliveries, giving South Africa even more momentum.

Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford tried to steady the innings, but Rutherford was dismissed by Corbin Bosch for 12 off 10 balls, including a six, leaving the team at 60-5 in 6.3 overs.

Matthew Forde added 11 before being dismissed by Bosch’s second wicket, while Powell was dismissed for nine from 11 balls.

After that, Holder and Shepherd hit hard, progressively pushing the squad over the 100-run threshold. The two restored the West Indies’ innings with an 89-run partnership.

Holder scored an incredible 49 from 31 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, before being run out.

Shepherd led the West Indies to a difficult total by smashing a four to reach his first T20I fifty and staying undefeated at 52 off 37 balls with three fours and four sixes.