By Neto Baptiste
West Indies suffered another huge loss to South Africa, surrendering their three-match T20 International Series to the Proteas on Thursday after going 2-0 down in Centurion.
The seven-wicket loss came despite an explosive 75 off 42 deliveries from Shimron Hetmyer to help guide the visitors to 221 for four in their 20 overs after they were asked to bat. Hetmyer struck eight fours and three sixes and had help from Sherfrane Rutherford who ended on 57 not out from just 24 balls, striking five fours and four maximums.
Brandon King contributed at the top of the order, falling just one run short of a half century on 49 off 30 deliveries with five fours and three sixes. Romario Shepherd finished on 17 not out. Keshav Maharaj picked up two wickets for 22 runs in his four overs.
South Africa then made light work of the chase, reaching their target at 225 for three with 15 balls to spare.
Quinton de Kock was in terrifying form, slamming six fours and 10 sixes on his way to 115 off just 49 deliveries. He had a strike rate of 234.69. Ryan Rickelton added 77 off 36 balls not out with nine fours and three sixes. Akeal Hosein bagged two wickets for 41 runs in his four overs.
West Indies will try to avoid a three-game series sweep in the third and final fixture on Saturday.