Bravo, Pollard set up series-decider against South Africa

Veterans Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard proved their worth on Thursday, making telling contributions to lead West Indies to a 21-run win over South Africa and force a series-decider on Saturday in Grenada.

Playing in game four of the five-match series, West Indies posted 167-6 with Pollard’s fifty being the highlight, before Bravo came into his own with career-best figures to limit the tourists to 146-9.

With South Africa needing 42 off the last three overs and a set Quinton de Kock at the crease, Bravo removed the left-hander off the first ball of the 18^th over and added two more wickets in the same over to seal the contest.

Up to that point, de Kock had kept South Africa in the game, and his wicket was crucial to the outcome. He made 60 off 43 balls.

Bravo ended with 4-19, while Andre Russell took 2-30. There were wickets also for Chris Gayle, Obed McCoy and Kieron Pollard.

Earlier, Man-of-the-Match Pollard struck fives sixes and two fours in 51 not out off 25 balls as West Indies ransacked 66 runs in the last four overs, after being limited to 101-6 after 16 overs.

It was Pollard’s first T20I fifty for the year, and sixth for West Indies.

Fabian Allen made 19 not out in an unbroken partnership of 66 from 4.3 overs with skipper Pollard, while opener Lendl Simmons made 47 off 34. Tabraiz Shamsi took 2-13 and George Linde 2-16.

The fifth and final game will take place on Saturday at the same venue from 14:00h.