Icc.com
South Africa scripted a record run-chase in T20Is to level the series against West Indies in Centurion on Sunday.
In total, 517 runs were scored, the most in a T20 game, including 35 sixes, the most in a T20 international and two fewer than the most in any T20 match.
After conceding 258 with the ball, South Africa produced a stirring run-chase, led by a maiden T20I ton from Quinton de Kock, to record the highest-ever run-chase in T20Is.
Racking up 102 in the first six overs in the run-chase, the highest score by any team in the Powerplay in T20Is, de Kock and Reeza Hendricks kickstarted South Africa’s innings in style.
The opening stand of 152 came off just 10.5 overs as South Africa suddenly turned into favourites to win the game.
While the visitors made a comeback of sorts by dismissing Rossouw, Hendricks and Miller in fairly quick succession, skipper Aiden Markram continued the carnage to lead his side to a memorable win.
The previous record for the highest successful run-chase in T20Is was held by Bulgaria against Serbia in 2022, when the former chased down 243 in 19.4 overs.
With this, South Africa now hold the record for the highest successful run-chase in both ODIs and T20Is.
Earlier, West Indies, powered by a record 39-ball ton from Johnson Charles, had made their highest score in T20Is. But it just wasn’t enough for a win unfortunately.
Scores
West Indies 258-5 (20 overs): Charles 118 (46 balls), Mayers 51 (27), Shepherd 41 (18)
South Africa 259-4 (18.5 overs): De Kock 100 (44), R Hendricks 68 (28)
South Africa won by six wickets.
