West Indies completely outplayed South Africa in all departments to chase down the modest target of 161 set by South Africa with ease.
Quinton de Kock got South Africa off to a decent start in the powerplay but from thereon it was all downhill for the visitors. Rassie van der Dussen who brought up his fifth T20I fifty remained unbeaten on 56 in a line up that never got going. He played his strokes and got a couple away through mid-wicket and third man.
West Indies showed that their slower deliveries and variations worked as they continued to tighten the screws as the innings went on. Left-arm spinner, Fabien Allen picked up 2 for 18 in his four overs and was the pick of the bowlers.
Evin Lewis wrecked havoc early in the chase getting the West Indies off to a flyer inside 5 overs when they were 63 without loss. He raced his way to a 22-ball half century and set up the win comfortably but if we're being brutally honest, with 160 on the board it was always going to be tough to defend against this star studded line up. Lewis ended with a scintillating 35-ball 71.
Fletcher joined in on the fun before a run out broke the 85-run opening stand in the 7th over and that was followed by three quiet overs going for just nine runs but the damage had already been done. Chris Gayle greeted part-timer Reeza Hendricks who bowled his first ever over in T20I with a six over his head and then another before Evin Lewis did the same. Andre Russell came and hit a few as well before hitting the winning runs to see their team home in emphatic fashion.
West Indies smacked 15 sixes in comparison to South Africa's 5. Seven of those came from Evin Lewis' bat.
Grenada has proven that it is a ground favorable for run scoring and with the remaining four matches being played there as well, the Proteas will need to dust themselves off quickly and hope they can turn things around, starting tomorrow when they return for the second T20I.
A dejected Bavuma expressed his disappointment, "Not how we wanted to start. As a team we need to have hard discussions and come up with a better plan. We thought 160 was a decent score - probably below par."
"I think it's a mindset thing to be honest. we are going to have to be alot more sound and come with a better attitude (tomorrow) and make sure there's a great focus on our execution." - Bavuma continued.
