Wisden
First Twenty20 International

South Africa v West Indies 2007-08

At Port Elizabeth, December 16, 2007 (floodlit). West Indies won by five wickets. Toss: West Indies. Twenty20 international debuts: G. H. Bodi; B. A. Parchment.

The match began in farcical conditions: rain poured down before the scheduled start, and Cricket South Africa administrators were on the verge of panic, having failed to insure the game. The players were asked to play, in any conditions. Eventually the rain relented long enough to allow 13 overs per side, and then the fun really started. Taylor started with a triple-wicket maiden, and South Africa lurched to five for four, then 22 for seven: their only double-figure score came from Botha, at No. 9, who survived being clanged on the helmet by Edwards. West Indies wobbled when Steyn took three wickets in one over and recorded the best figures against an ICC Full Member in Twenty20 internationals, but Morton had done enough to take his side home.

Man of the Match: J. E. Taylor.

© John Wisden & Co.