Evin Lewis slammed his seventh T20 International fifty as West Indies coasted to an eight-wicket victory against South Africa in the first of five T20I in Grenada.
In the chase of 161, Lewis and Andre Fletcher added 85 runs for the opening wicket in seven overs. Fletcher was the first dismissed for 30 from 19 balls which included three fours and two sixes. Lewis continued to punish the South African bowlers, three that played in the Test series.
In the process, Lewis reached 1000 T20I runs but his innings of 71 from 35 balls concluded after he slammed seven sixes and four boundaries.
Chris Gayle and Andre Russell ensured West Indies completed the demolition job ending unbeaten. Gayle hit an unbeaten 32 from 24 balls, including three sixes while Russell slammed 23 from 12, with three sixes as well. West Indies ended on 161-2 in 15 overs, with 15 sixes in the innings.
Earlier, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first. With constant short rain delays, South Africa posted 160-6 in their allotted 20 overs. Middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen stroked an unbeaten 56 while opener Quinto de Kock hit 37. Captain Temba Bavuma supported with 22.
Bowling for the West Indies, Fabian Allen picked up his career-best 2-18 in four overs while Dwayne Bravo claimed 2-30, Russell returned 1-29 while Jason Holder had 1-39. From the 13-man squad, West Indies left out Lendl Simmons and Fidel Edwards. The second T20 match is set for Sunday June 27 from 14:00h at the same venue in Grenada.
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