Shepherd, Holder’s record 89-run partnership guides West Indies to 176/8:Unbeaten Proteas need 177 to qualify for semis

Romario Shepherd struck a 37-ball 52 while Jason Holder hit 49 off 31 as West Indies mounted a spectacular recovery to score 176/8 against South Africa in a Group 1 Super 8 match in T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, 26 November. South Africa, now need 177 runs to win and a victory will guarantee them a spot in the semifinals. For South Africa, it eventually turned out to be a disappointing effort after they had the West Indies reeling at 83/7 at one stage. Lungi Ngidi was the best bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets while conceding 30 runs in four overs. Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch also took two wickets each. Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder’s record stand guides WI to fighting score Asked to bat first, West Indies were quick to get off the blocks, hitting 29 runs in two overs. But the South African bowlers made a remarkable comeback. Wickets continued to tumble for the two-time champions and at one point, it seemed that they would not even bat for the entirety of 20 overs. At 83/7 in 10.2 overs, things looked pretty bleak for West Indies until Shepherd and Holder joined hands. The two added 89 runs off 57 balls and took the attack to the South African bowlers. The 89-run stand between these two is the highest for the eighth wicket in T20 World Cup history. Holder and Shepherd shifted the momentum completely in favour of the West Indies as the Caribbean nation finished on a high with a boundary coming off the last ball.