West Indies beat South Africa by 21 runs; series at 2-2

St George’s, Jul 02 (AP): The West Indies overcame the loss of a key bowler to beat South Africa by 21 runs in the fourth Twenty20 international, leveling the five-match series at 2-2. The fifth and deciding match will be played Saturday.
The West Indies lost left-arm spinner Fabian Allen to a shoulder injury suffered in the field as they defended their total of 167-6.
Dwayne Bravo stepped up and took 4-19, including the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock for 60, as the West Indies restricted South Africa to 146-9.
Captain Kieron Pollard also played a vital role with the ball to compensate for Allen’s loss, taking 1-24 from his four overs.
Andre Russell had an increased workload, taking 2-20 and self-declared Universe Boss Chris Gayle failed with the bat but claimed the wicket of Proteas opener Reeza Hendricks with his first delivery and finished with 1-11. Gayle also took two catches.
“Chris (Gayle) bowling that one over and getting a wicket… sometimes you take a chance and it works,” said Pollard, who was man of the match.
Pollard said with Allen out of action with a dislocated shoulder “straightaway we had to make up some overs.
“In the first couple of games I didn’t bowl much,” he said, “then I bowled in the last game. It was a matter of trying to use a lot of experience. Having (Bravo) and Obed McCoy continuing to do well for us and having Andre Russell coming into the game today and bowling his four overs and getting a couple of wickets… I think it was crucial for us.