De Villiers pummels sorry West Indies
An Impressive unbeaten hundred from AB De Villiers (107*) lead South Africa to an easy victory over the West Indies in both sides’ first Group B clash yesterday. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir had earlier picked up 4-41 on debut in a fine bowling performance for the Proteas. Tahir picked up several key wickets, including those of Sarwan (2) and Chanderpaul (31) to go with his earlier scalp of opener Devon Smith. He picked up his fourth wicket by removing Thomas for just 15, caught by JP Duminy.
South Africa surprised many by opening the bowling with the off-spin of Johan Botha, and the gamble paid off straight away as he dismissed Chris Gayle on only the third ball of the innings, caught at slip by Kallis, who took a good low catch.
The only bright spark from the Windies’ batting display was the performance of the Bravo brothers. Younger brother Darren hit an impressive knock of 73, including eight fours and a six. His 82 ball innings resembled West Indies legend Brian Lara in many ways and backed up the theory of many that he is the West Indies replacement for their ex-captain. Dwayne Bravo also chipped in with a decent 40 (37 balls), before being run out in a ridiculous run attempt by Chanderpaul. The experienced left-hander reverse swept the ball straight to short third man and started off down the wicket, not even looking at Bravo, who sacrificed himself and was out by a metre or so.
Thereafter the innings went from bad to worse as big-hitting Pollard and Captain, Sammy were both removed LBW by Dale Steyn for ducks, the fast bowler finishing with 7.3 overs 3 for 24. The West Indies finished on 222 all out with 15 balls left in the innings.
The West Indies followed their opponent’s example and opened with the slow left arm of the 6 feet plus, Sulieman Benn. The other Windies Opener, Roach, made an early inroad, having Amla caught by Thomas for 14. Benn then got his first wicket as number three Kallis came and went for just 4, also caught, this time by Sammy. This brought De Villiers to the crease and he immediately set about stamping his authority over the Caribbean opposition. In a fantastic knock of 107 not out off 105 balls, the number four hit eight fours and cleared the ropes twice. Smith went for a patient 45 with the score on 139, bowled by Pollard. Duminy joined De Villiers and the two knocked off the remaining 84 needed for victory with 7.1 overs to spare. The pick of the West Indies bowlers was Pollard with 7.5 overs 1-37.
Both teams will look to their next Group B encounter. The West Indies take on Holland on Monday. Both sides will be looking for a victory from this game, especially after Holland’s impressive performance against England in their first game. Ten Doeschate will be looking to get some more runs under his belt against a less than formidable West Indies attack.
South Africa’s next game is also against Holland. The Proteas must be firm favourites for this match up, however it won’t be easy. The Netherlands have shown they are no pushover this time round and South Africa will have to combat the powerful hitting of Ten Doeschate if they are to come out on top.
