Shepherd smashes 44 as West Indies bag series

Reeza Hendricks smashed 83 from 44 balls but it was not enough for South Africa, who fell seven runs short of their massive target as the West Indies claimed a 2-1 series win following the third Twenty20 International at The Wanderers yesterday.
South Africa had chased down a record 259 for victory in the second game in Pretoria on Sunday, and this time were set 221 having elected to bowl first on a cold night in Johannesburg.
West Indies’ total of 220 for eight was powered by an unbeaten 44 from number nine Romario Shepherd, who smashed 26 off the final over of the innings from Kagiso Rabada in an impressive display of six hitting.
Nicholas Pooran also pitched in with 41 from 19 balls on an another excellent batting wicket on the Highveld.
South Africa were up with the run rate for most of their reply, boosted by Hendricks’ excellent innings and 42 from 21 balls by Rilee Rossouw.
But they lost their way in the final five overs due to some good death bowling from the visitors, not least seamer Alzarri Joseph who picked up 5-40.
The home side needed 26 from the final over themselves, a task too great in the end.
Powell, the West Indies captain, said: “After the last game, the guys were disappointed. We took all the positives from that game and tried to implement it today. The way Shepherd and Alzarri batted at the end was brilliant and then for Alzarri to pick up five wickets was special.”
He added: “As a new international captain, it is my responsibility to push them to a level I want them to go. I want my players to be aggressive and to play their natural game. But it is also important to understand when not to be aggressive.
“We knew that if we got 200-220, we had a chance. To get 200, you have to get a very good start. King, Mayers and Charles have been doing that for us this series. Very happy for him (Alzarri).
“South Africa is a nice place to bowl and we knew he would like bowling here. Lots of credit must be given to him. The natural thing was to go back to Cottrell but within our team, we know who can nail four out of six yorkers. It was a toss-up between myself, Cottrell and Reifer and in the end, we went with Reifer because he is also a left-handed bowler.”
Alzarri Joseph, Player of the Match, said: “We made a good total so it was up to the bowlers to defend it. It is always good when the captain gives you that confidence.
“I enjoy a challenge. The back room staff, the captain give me responsibility to lead the pack and lead by example. That is something I enjoy doing,” he added.
South Africa now face two must-win One-Day International fixtures against the Netherlands starting in Benoni on Friday as they bid for automatic qualification for the Cricket World Cup in India later this year.

BRIEF SCORES
West Indies 220-8 in 20 overs (R. Shepherd 44*, A. Nortje 2-36) v South Africa 213-6 in 20 overs (R. Hendricks 83; A. Joseph 5-40)
Result: West Indies won by 7 runs
Series: West Indies won the three-match series 2-1
Toss: South Africa