The atmosphere is electric in Johannesburg today as the Proteas prepare to face the West Indies in the final T20 International at the sold-out DP World Wanderers Stadium.
While South Africa has already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, today is about more than just the results, it is the iconic Pink Day.
For those who have missed the action this week, the Proteas have been in spectacular form. The highlight was undoubtedly the second match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, where fans witnessed a batting masterclass.
Quinton de Kock smashed a brilliant career-best 115 runs off just 49 balls, helping the hosts chase down a massive target of 222.
Interestingly, de Kock admitted after the match that he had accidentally forgotten his kitbags at his home in Knysna and had to borrow a bat from his younger teammate, Dewald Brevis.
That borrowed bat clearly had some magic in it, as the senior opener bludgeoned ten sixes to dismantle the West Indian attack. Ryan Rickelton also played a fantastic innings, scoring a career-best 77 not out, showing that the team’s batting line-up is peaking ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
More Than Just a Game
Today’s match at the “Bullring” is historic as it marks the first time the Proteas will play a T20I in their pink kits to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Traditionally an ODI fixture, Pink Day is a pillar of the South African sporting calendar, and the stadium is expected to be a vibrant “sea of pink” with proceeds from the match being donated to the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.
Fans can also look forward to a Pink Day Concert during the innings break, headlined by one of the country’s leading artists, DJ MÖRDA.
The West Indies will be looking to bounce back and avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. They have dangerous hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford who can change a game in minutes, so the South African bowlers will need to remain sharp to maintain their perfect record.
Match Details:
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Fixture: South Africa vs West Indies (3rd T20I)
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Venue: DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
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Time: 18:00 SAST
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