Pooran's dominant performance leads West Indies to seven-wicket victory over South Africa

Nicholas Pooran's explosive unbeaten innings of 65 runs from just 26 balls led West Indies to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the Twenty20 International match held in Trinidad. Pooran's brilliant performance helped the home team secure a 1-0 lead in the thrilling three-match series.

After being sent in to bat, South Africa, without several of their regular players who have been rested, posted 174-7 in their 20 overs.

But it never looked enough as the West Indies' top three batters crashed the ball to all parts of the ground at the Brian Lara Stadium and reached their target with 13 balls to spare.

The destructive Pooran launched seven sixes to go with two fours as he finished off the innings in style.

But the platform was laid by a 84-run opening stand between Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope before both were dismissed by South African seamer Ottneil Baartman .

South Africa handed a debut to fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who at the age of 18 years and 137 days is the youngest to play in a T20 International for his country.

He grabbed his first wicket when he dismissed West Indies captain Rovman Powell , caught at cover.

The tourists slumped to 42-5 in their innings before a 71-run sixth wicket partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Patrick Kruger took them to a respectable total.

Seamer Matthew Forde was the pick of the home bowlers with 3-27, while Shamar Joseph returned figures of 2-40.

The second match in the series will be at the same venue on Sunday.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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