Twitter Reactions: Sisanda Magala’s effort in vain as Rovman Powell steals the show in Centurion

Due to rain, the first T20I match between South Africa and West Indies was delayed and later, the officials reduced the match to 11 overs per side. Thus, the batters went all-out and enjoyed their time in the middle, while the bowlers had a rough evening. Notably, players like Rovman Powell and David Miller were phenomenal with the bat, and it was a treat for everyone at Supersport Part. However, in the end, South Africa came short as the visiting side won the match by three wickets.

Batting first, South Africa had only one thing on their mind, and that was to play an aggressive brand of cricket. While doing so, players like Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Rilee Rossouw lost their wickets, but the small contributions from other players made a massive difference.

Eventually, when David Miller came to bat, the game’s complexion completely changed as the 33-year-old stole the show in Centurion. Batting at number five, the Proteas cricketer smashed 48 off just 22 deliveries, and based on his power-hitting, the Aiden Markram-led side posted 131 runs on board after 11 overs. Notably, Sisanda Magala played a quick cameo of 18 runs off just five deliveries, which helped the home side finish on a high note after the first innings.

In the absence of senior pro Kagiso Rabada, things were not easy for South Africa in the middle. Opener Brandon King gave West Indies a perfect start, smashing 23 runs off eight deliveries. Later, Johnson Charles took on the Proteas bowlers, cracking 28 off 14 deliveries and with that, the visiting side came very close to tasting victory in the first T20I.

However, there was a lot of work left to be done, and that’s when Rovman Powell stepped up and helped West Indies win the game in a remarkable fashion. The newly-appointed skipper wreaked havoc in the middle, scoring 48* off just 22 deliveries when no batter supported him in the middle.

When it came to South Africa’s bowing, they lacked discipline and accuracy. Even though the side managed to pick up wickets from time to time, Markram failed to use his bowlers properly, and that may have cost them the game. Notably, Magala tried his best in the final overs to bring the Proteas back to the game, but it was too late in the end.

Nevertheless, it was a cracking match to begin the series with, and Twitter was overjoyed to see a feisty battle among batters in the middle. 

This is how Twitter reacted –

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