West Indies stand-in captain Brandon King and head coach Darren Sammy expressed immense satisfaction with their team’s performance following a dominant eight-wicket victory over South Africa, completing a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series at Sabina Park.
King, who led the side in the absence of regular captain Rovman Powell, praised the team’s execution and the contributions from key players.
“I am extremely happy after winning all three games, and I could not have asked for a better result. We had some consistent performers, with [Gudakesh] Motie being outstanding with the ball, and in every game, someone contributed with the bat, especially the top order,” King said.
Coach Darren Sammy echoed King’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s effective role play and readiness for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“The role play was excellent from the players. The openers, the batters in the middle, and also being effective with the ball in the power play. I am pleased that the guys went out and understood their specific roles, and that is testament to the work we have been doing,” Sammy stated.
Chasing a target of 164, the West Indies’ batting line-up delivered a commanding performance. Johnson Charles led the charge with an explosive 69 off just 26 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and five towering sixes. His innings set the tone for the chase, with Brandon King contributing a crucial 44 from 28 balls, including two fours and four sixes. Kyle Mayers held his nerve to finish unbeaten on 36 from 23 balls.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a shaky start. Despite a valiant effort from skipper Rassie van der Dussen, who played a captain’s innings with a brisk 51, the Proteas struggled to build substantial partnerships. Wiaan Mulder’s late cameo of 36 helped guide the Proteas to a respectable total of 163 for seven at the end of their allotted 20 overs.
Obed McCoy, stepping in for the injured Jason Holder, was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies with figures of three for 39. Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie each finished with two wickets, further stifling the South African batting line-up.
Johnson Charles was fittingly adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating innings. Gudakesh Motie, for his consistent performances with the ball throughout the series, was named the Player of the Series.
Coach Darren Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, praised his team’s all-around performance.
“With the players that we had, we executed quite well,” he told Sportsmax.TV. “We were put under pressure in the Power Play in the second game but the way the guys responded and won convincingly; we got tested in the three departments – in the field, with the bat, and the ball – and the way the guys responded was just really good, so I would give them a nine (out of 10).”
Charles expressed satisfaction with his performance after struggling in the first two matches.
“It was great. We have been working hard during the camp and in the series. Worked hard on our skills leading up to the World Cup, just enforcing the basics. Tried in the first two games, didn’t work out but came today (Sunday). It’s all about building confidence,” he said.
Stand-in captain Brandon King also shared his delight at leading the team to a commanding series win. “(I was) happy with my own performance,” he remarked. “Would’ve liked to carry my bat through to the end though. We understand each other’s games, playing a few years together. (This was) an important 3-0 win.”