T20 World Cup 2024 [WATCH]: Andre Russell gives South Africa double blows by dismissing Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks in same over

South Africa delivered an impressive bowling performance, restricting the West Indies to a modest total of 135/8 after opting to bowl first in their final T20 World Cup 2024 Super-Eight match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. However, South Africa’s run-chase faced a setback with a double blow as  Andre Russell struck twice in the second over, dismissing both openers in quick succession.

Andre Russell’s double blow rocks South Africa’s run chase

On the first ball of the over, Russell bowled a back-of-a-length delivery that slid down the leg side. Reeza Hendricks tried to glance it fine but was caught by the wicketkeeper behind, and there was a noise as the ball passed him. Although umpire Alex Wharf was unmoved by the initial appeal, the West Indies opted for a review. The replay showed a clear spike on Ultra Edge when the ball was next to the bat, confirming that Hendricks had been strangled down the leg side.

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On the last ball of the same over, Russell bowled a short ball on middle and leg. Quinton de Kock, thinking the length was ripe for his trademark pick-up shot, attacked it but did not account for the slight extra bounce. The ball got big on him, causing him to splice it straight to Rutherford at deep backward square leg. De Kock’s dismissal for 12 off 7 balls left South Africa reeling early in their chase.

After De Kock’s dismissal, a torrential rainstorm abruptly halted the match proceedings. The downpour began just as South Africa found themselves in early trouble at 15/2, leaving both teams waiting anxiously for a break in the weather to resume play.

Here’s the video:

West Indies’ batting collapse

Earlier in the first innings, West Indies struggled, losing early wickets to reach 5/2 with Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran departing quickly. Kyle Mayers (35) and Roston Chase (52) steadied the innings with an 81-run partnership, but both fell to Tabraiz Shamsi, as did captain Rovman Powell (1) who was stumped. Chase, after a valuable knock with three fours and two sixes, was caught by Kagiso Rabada off Shamsi. Sherfane Rutherford was also dismissed by Shamsi. Russell’s quickfire 15 ended with a run-out by Anrich Nortje. Rabada bowled tight overs with figures of 1/11, while Marco Jansen, injured after two overs, finished with 1/17 as West Indies posted 135/8 in their 20 overs.

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