South Africa vs West Indies LIVE: Holder and Shepherd ignite late-innings fireworks to revive Windies

A record-breaking 89-run 8th-wicket partnership from Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52*) helped West Indies put on a solid 176 runs in their first innings in Ahmedabad.

Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder stitched a record 89-run 8-ticket partnership to help West Indies score a formidable total in the first innings. Image | ICC

The narrative at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad took a dramatic, high-octane turn as South Africa faced West Indies in their Super 8 fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While our previous reports highlighted a powerplay disaster and a mid-innings stranglehold where South African pacers seemed to have the game in their pocket, a late innings resurgence from Jason Holder (49) and Romario Shepherd (52*) took West Indies to a formidable 176/8 in the first innings.

West Indies fight back through Holder and Shepherd

After losing 4 wickets in the first 5 overs, West Indies were reeling at the 14th-over mark at 109/7. The Proteas pacers dominated with an 'into the pitch' and 'short ball strategy', which was led by Lungi Ngidi's critical 3-wicket haul, dismantling the West Indian top and middle order.

However, the 15th over sparked a shift in momentum for the West Indies.

Jason Holder, the former West Indian captain, who looked a bit patchy early on at 13 off 15 deliveries, suddenly found his range and rhythm. He launched a calculated assault on the South African death bowling lineup, particularly targeting Marco Jansen in the 18th over.

In a 'grim' over for the left-hander, Holder smashed 22 runs off Janssen's over single-handedly, including two towering sixes and two boundaries.

Meanwhile, Shepherd also did his job by hitting three boundaries and four huge sixes to score to continue his tremendous form in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Although Holder was dismissed on 49 to end a solid 89-run, 8th wicket partnership, Shepherd completed his 50 by hitting a 6 and 4 in the last two deliveries of the innings.

Read also: All the records broken in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Whose win will help India more?

As we have already discussed a win for South Africa against the West Indies will help India more. Because if the Men In Blue go on to win both of their next games against Zimbabwe and West Indies, and South Africa remain unbeaten in the Super 8 stage, India will finish as the 2nd best team from their group.

How to watch the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the West Indies vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

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