South Africa's collapse hands West Indies 2-0 unassailable lead in T20I series

South Africa suffered a dramatic collapse, losing by 30 runs to the West Indies in their T20 International match on Sunday. The defeat handed the Caribbean side a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, making the final game a must-win for the Proteas.

West Indies, batting first, posted a total of 179 for six. South Africa appeared to be on track for a win, reaching 129 for 3 with more than six overs left. However, the game took a turn as they lost their last seven wickets for just 20 runs, finishing all out for 149.

Romario Shepherd was the standout performer for the West Indies, taking 3 wickets for just 15 runs. His crucial dismissals included Reeza Hendricks and South African captain Aiden Markram. Shamar Joseph also contributed with 3 wickets for 31 runs, dismantling the lower order.

In their innings, West Indies saw valuable contributions from Shai Hope, who scored 41 off 22 balls, Rovman Powell with 35, and Sherfane Rutherford, who added 29. These efforts helped West Indies set a challenging total.

Powell was pleased with how his team managed to turn the game around. 

"We put the pressure after the powerplay. Wickets would bring us back in the game. T20 cricket can change very fast," he noted.

South African captain Markram, whose team was quite experimental and young, acknowledged the loss but remained hopeful. 

"It's tough to put a finger on the learnings right now but one thing guaranteed with us is a never-say-die attitude," he said.