West Indies have been eliminated from the 2024 T20 World Cup after a nail-biting three-wicket defeat to South Africa on Sunday (June 23). Despite having home advantage, the Men in Maroon managed only one win in three matches of the Super 8s round.
They had entered the Super 8s after winning four consecutive games in the group stage, raising fans’ hopes. However, losses against England and South Africa shattered their dreams, with their sole victory coming against debutants USA.
It’s pertinent to note that West Indies would have secured a semifinal spot had they triumphed over South Africa. The match was a thriller, but the Proteas eventually emerged victorious. Here, we delve into the three critical mistakes that cost West Indies the game.
#1 Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran’s Over-Aggression at the Start
In high-stakes matches, players’ character is tested, and the aggressive approach of Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran backfired spectacularly for the West Indies.
Hope, fresh off a magnificent 82 against the USA, underestimated the 6.8ft tall Marco Jansen*. Attempting to hit Jansen’s first ball for a four, Hope misjudged the bounce, resulting in an edge to Tristan Stubbs at cover point. Losing an in-form batter early on was a significant blow.
Compounding the issue, Nicholas Pooran aimed for a six off the first ball from Aiden Markram. Failing to time it properly, he handed a simple catch to Marco Jansen in the deep. This reckless approach saw the Caribbean team reeling at 5/2 after just seven balls.
#2 Andre Russell’s Run-Out in a Crucial Moment
Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase managed to stabilize the innings with an 81-run stand for the third wicket. However, South Africa fought back, taking four quick wickets to leave West Indies at 97/6 from 86/2.
Andre Russell, who was the key to a strong finish, looked in great touch, blasting a couple of sixes to revive hopes among the fans at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
In a pivotal moment, Russell attempted to steal a quick run, tapping the ball to Anrich Nortje at short third man. Nortje’s direct hit found Russell short of his crease, resulting in a run-out with 17 balls still remaining. This dismissal proved costly, as West Indies could only muster 135/8, far below what they might have achieved with Russell at the crease.
#3 Rovman Powell’s Decision Not to Bowl Gudakesh Motie Again
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was taken for 20 runs in his only over, but he had been in exceptional form during the group stage, taking five wickets in two games against Afghanistan and New Zealand.
A wise move might have been to give Motie another over in the ninth, especially as Heinrich Klaasen, who had hit him for three fours and a six, was dismissed in the eighth over. Instead, Captain Rovman Powell handed the over to Obed McCoy, who bowled three wides and conceded a boundary. This decision potentially changed the game’s outcome, as an over from Motie might have kept the pressure on South Africa.
These three crucial mistakes underscored the West Indies’ downfall in a match that was within their grasp. While the aggressive approach of Hope and Pooran, Russell’s untimely run-out, and Powell’s tactical error all contributed to their exit, the team will look to learn and bounce back stronger in future tournaments.
