Aiden Markram leads South Africa to victory, with West Indies' semi-final chances in serious danger

Markram hit four sixes in a match-winning half century, allowing Rassie van der Dussen to anchor proceedings as South Africa won by eight wickets

Dubai: West Indies 143-8, South Africa 144-2 - South Africa win by eight wickets

Scorecard

A fine bowling performance from South Africa set up a crucial victory over West Indies in a game that was considered a must-win affair for both nations.

Dwaine Pretorius took three wickets and Keshav Maharaj claimed two as the Proteas restricted their opponents’ feted batting line-up to an under-par score, before chasing it down for the loss of just their opening pair.

The win was overshadowed, however, by the absence of Quinton de Kock – traditionally one of those openers – who made himself unavailable for selection after Cricket South Africa sent their team a directive, requiring them “to take the knee in a united and consistent stance against racism”.

A statement added: “This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognise the power of sport to bring people together.

“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. The board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism.”

De Kock’s absence meant that Heinrich Klaassen took over as wicketkeeper, with Reeza Hendricks filling in at the top of the order. Klaassen dropped an early chance to dismiss Lendl Limmons off the bowling of Anrich Nortje, but Hendricks later made 39 to set a platform for a successful run-chase.

^{Kieron Pollard's men will have a challenge on their hands to reach the semi-finals}

Simmons’ innings was a torturous affair: he faced 35 balls in making just 16, before he was bowled by Kagiso Rabada in the 14th over. It was a vigil that cost West Indies: Andre Russell and Shimron Hetmyer only made it to the crease with 17 and 10 balls remaining, respectively.

For a while, Evin Lewis was playing a lone hand: he had made 56 out of 73 runs when he was caught on the boundary in the 11th over as one of Maharaj’s victims, before a brief cameo from Nicholas Pooran ended at the hands of the same bowler.

After Simmons was put out of his misery, Chris Gayle edged behind, before Russell, Hetymer, Kieron Pollard and Hayden Walsh Jr all fell within seven balls of one another as they thrashed around in search of late runs. But the power of Lewis apart, West Indies’ other batters managed just six fours and two sixes.

That was soon shown to be inadequate. Temba Bavuma was brilliantly run out by Russell, but Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen ticked the score along until Aiden Markram entered the fray to pick up the tempo.

He hit four sixes in a match-winning half century, allowing van der Dussen to anchor proceedings as South Africa won by eight wickets, putting West Indies’ chances of retaining their title in serious danger.