West Indies vs South Africa Highlights, 3rd T20I | Jan 31: Gudakesh Motie’s Three-Wicket Burst Shines as WI Silence SA in 10-Over Finale

WI vs SA 3rd West Indies tour of South Africa T20I Highlights captures a rain-shortened contest at the Wanderers where West Indies edged South Africa by six runs via the DLS method. Chasing a revised target of 125 in 10 overs, South Africa finished on 118 for 6. The result sealed a consolation win for West Indies as South Africa clinched the series 2–1.

South Africa won the toss and opted to field first on a surface that rewarded clean hitting but punished poor execution. With only 10 overs available per side, the margin for error was minimal, and West Indies were forced to maximize every phase despite early disruption.

West Indies lost Johnson Charles inside the first over, but the innings quickly settled through Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer. Hope anchored the effort with a controlled yet forceful 48 off 25 balls, ensuring stability while wickets fell around him. Hetmyer provided the decisive acceleration, striking 48 not out from 22 deliveries, with his six-hitting lifting West Indies beyond a run rate that kept DLS pressure intact.

South Africa’s bowling offered mixed returns. Lungi Ngidi struck early, while Gudakesh Motie’s opposite number, Keshav Maharaj, conceded heavily despite removing Hope. The inability to contain Hetmyer in the closing overs proved costly, as West Indies reached 114 for 3, a total that carried more weight once the revised chase was confirmed.

The South African reply began unevenly with Aiden Markram falling early, but Quinton de Kock and the middle order briefly swung momentum with rapid cameos. Jason Smith’s 26 from 10 balls threatened to tilt the game late, yet regular wickets kept the chase just behind the DLS curve. Gudakesh Motie’s three-wicket spell in the middle overs broke the sequence of partnerships, and despite Tristan Stubbs remaining unbeaten, South Africa fell short at 118 for 6.

Toss Winner

The toss went South Africa’s way, and they elected to bowl first.

Key Moment

Gudakesh Motie’s three wickets between overs 3.5 and 5.6, removing Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis, halted South Africa’s momentum during the middle phase of the chase.

Star Performer / MVP

Gudakesh Motie’s three wickets between overs 3.5 and 5.6, removing Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis, halted South Africa’s momentum during the middle phase of the chase.

West Indies vs South Africa Match Summary

WI vs SA Playing XI

West Indies: Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

FAQs – Yesterday’s West Indies vs South Africa 3rd T20I (Jan 31, 2026)

Q1: What was the final score of yesterday’s West Indies vs South Africa match?

A1: Yesterday (January 31, 2026): 3rd T20I
West Indies (114/3 in 10 overs) beat South Africa (118/6 in 10 overs) by 6 runs via the DLS method.
West Indies: Shimron Hetmyer scored 48 not out.
South Africa: Jason Smith struck 26 off 10 balls.
Result: South Africa won the series 2–1.

Q2: Who was named the Player of the Match?

A2: Gudakesh Motie was named the Player of the Match for taking three crucial wickets in the middle overs that stalled South Africa’s chase.

Q3: Where was the match played, and who won the toss?

A3: The match was played at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. South Africa won the toss and elected to field first.

Q4: Who were the top performers with the bat for both sides?

A4: For West Indies, Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer both scored 48, with Hetmyer remaining unbeaten. For South Africa, Jason Smith was the leading run-scorer with 26 runs.

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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