Twitter Reactions: Linde, Rabada and Shamsi break the spine of West Indies batting order to level T20I series

South Africa fought back well and won the second game of the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. It was also their first win under skipper Temba Bavuma in the shortest format. The victory was indeed a hard-fought one as Bavuma was criticized by experts for his tactics in the first T20I. But this time, the diminutive skipper learned his lessons well and was able to constantly apply pressure on the West Indies batters.

After a clinical display with the bat in the first game, the Caribbean batters were in for a rude shock this time around. South Africa bowlers, led by spinners George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi, didn’t let the opposition batters play freely. They shared three wickets between them and perfectly applied spin choke.

South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was impressive as well with three wickets upfront to help give his team a 16-run win over the hosts. It was indeed a collective effort from the South African bowlers which led them to victory.

Chasing 167 for the win, West Indies batters set the chase beautifully when they were placed 62 for two in the ninth over. But rather than finishing off the job with ease, the batters lost the plot in the next 11 overs and gave away seven wickets to falter in a run-chase.

South Africa batters start well in the power play

The Proteas batters started well in the power play as they scored 69 runs and didn’t lose a wicket. Reeza Hendricks (42) and Quinton de Kock (26) laid the foundation for the visitors with a solid start. Skipper Bavuma (46) ensured the duo’s efforts didn’t go waste as he enabled South Africa to pots a challenging 166 onboard.

After a poor outing in the first T20I, off-spinner Linde put on a much more disciplined performance and picked up two crucial wickets. His four overs for only 19 runs didn’t allow the WI batters to play freely. He was also well supported by Shamsi who picked one wicket and gave away just 16 runs. The series now stands one all with the third T20I set to begin on 30th June.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

DJ Bravo said "IPL has done a lot to us, for all West Indies players and that is one of the reason why India is successful as well". #WIvSA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 27, 2021

"Ultra edge not ready yet. Can you suggest any Netflix movies in the meantime, Simon?" 😂#WIvSA | #SAvWI pic.twitter.com/0UEbNyN9df

— Sridhar_FlashCric (@SridharBhamidi) June 27, 2021

Just love this celebration from Kevin Sinclair and he took the wickets of both South Africa openers in the second T20. #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/n7pEQIVFvd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 27, 2021

What a turn around of South Africa – in the first T20, West Indies chase down 161 runs in just 15 overs and 24 hours later they have defended 167 runs as they won the match by 16 runs. Spinners in middle overs sealed the game for South Africa. #WIvSA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 27, 2021

Marvellous fightback by South Africa to defend a low total. Winners by 16. #WIvSA

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) June 27, 2021

Great fightback by South Africa as they win the second T20I by 16 runs and the series is leveled at 1-1.#WIvSA pic.twitter.com/nX9GCR81v2

— BIG FAN OF CRICKET (@AhmadBaheer3) June 28, 2021

I’ve watch the T20 highlights between @windiescricket and @OfficialCSA over and over and seeing most of our senior wi t20 players back on one team looks very dangerous. #wt20 #titledefence #wiready

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 27, 2021

West Indies have such a solid batting lineup, if their bowling becomes stable and good, they're one of the top contenders for the T20 World Cup. Power hitter like Fabien Allen at No.9 tells up alot about their batting depth.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 27, 2021

West indies team when #T20worldcup is near pic.twitter.com/GIKm1qhhkU

— Last Human (@pLastHuman) June 25, 2021

Tabraiz Shamsi Performance in this T20I Series against WI so far:-

•4-0-27-1
•4-0-16-1

In Recent times he is the Most Consistent perfomer for South Africa in T20 Internationals. He's done so well. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/v7dcNjibjb

— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) June 28, 2021

Have to give credit where it's due, Tabraiz Shamsi has improved IMMENSELY and i am so proud of him for pushing on despite all the hate he receives on this app

— Sabeeha Majid 🏏 #FreePalestine (@SabeehaMajid) June 27, 2021