South Africa won a last-over low-scoring thriller against the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, making it to the top four for the first time in ten years.
South Africa were brilliant with the ball after they won the toss on a low wicket in Antigua. Aiden Mrakram made inspired bowling changes, bringing himself on to open the attack with a favourable match-up with Nicholas Pooran on strike. He struck with his first ball, as the West Indies slumped to 5-2, but an 81-run stand between Kyle Mayers (35 in 34) and Roston Chase (52 in 42) brought them back into the game.
Once Mayers fell to Tabraiz Shamsi in the 12th over, the hosts crumbled, managing just 49 runs in their last eight overs for the loss of four wickets. Andre Russell promised a blistering end to the innings with a nine-ball 15 with two sixes but a brilliant throw from Anrich Nortje brought an end to his knock, and possibly international career.
Tabraiz Shamsi, picked for the game due to the conditions, ended as the Player of the Match for his figures of 3-27.
Needing 136 to top the group and advance to the semi-finals, the Proteas became 15-2 as the ominous c-word started doing the rounds on social media. A lengthy rain break brought down the equation to 123 in 17 overs and they stuttered. They became 77-4 and then 110-7 in the 16th over.
There were nervy moments when they needed 13 runs in 10 balls, but a four by Kagiso Rabada on the last ball of the penultimate over eased the pressure on South Africa as the equation reduced to five off the last over.
Jansen left no time, smacking a full-length ball from Obed McCoy down the ground for six to send the team into a frenzy while keeping their unbeaten streak alive in the competition. They topped Group 2 in the Super Eights and became the second team after England to advance to the top four.
It was also the first time any team have won seven games in the history of the T20 World Cup. South Africa have won seven in a row.
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