Morne van Wyk scored only the third Twenty20 International century by a South African as the Proteas avoided a series whitewash with a 69-run win over the West Indies at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday.
The veteran wicketkeeper blasted an unbeaten 114 off 70 deliveries to join countrymen Richard Levi and Faf du Plessis as the only other pair to hit three figures in a 20-over game.
His innings, which included seven sixes and nine fours, helped the hosts amass 195 for three.
In reply, David Wiese grabbed the second-best bowling figures by a South African, five for 23, as the islanders were shot out for 126 in 19 overs, although they still won the series 2-1.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the home side were given a flying start thanks to a 111 opening stand between Van Wyk and Reeza Hendricks (42).
Both were dropped early on with Van Wyk getting going in the fourth over by clubbing Andre Russell for two sixes in three balls.
The momentum continued South Africa’s way as sixes from both batsmen in the fifth over took their side past 50.
Van Wyk, handed another let-off on 24 when Russell’s off-balance attempt on the fence went for six, eventually got to 50 in 35 balls.
It was 96 for none at the halfway stage, with Hendricks succumbing to a skied catch taken by Smith at deep midwicket off Kieron Pollard.
Wiese was next in and he provided solid enough support for Van Wyk at the other end with 21 off 16 deliveries.
The pair added 47 for the second wicket with Wiese and Rilee Rossouw (nought) falling in quick succession shortly after the 150 came up in the 17th over.
Van Wyk reached his three figures from 67 balls in the final over of the innings to boost the hosts to a mammoth 195 for three at a venue where the first innings average score is around 30 runs less.
West Indies were off to a flier in reply, racing to 45 in four overs, the last of which saw Wayne Parnell plundered for 23, all to the bat of Simmons.
Aaron Phangiso came on to bowl the sixth over and cleaned up Dwayne Smith with his first ball ending the opening stand on 48.
Wiese then struck a double blow with the dangerous Marlon Samuels (six) slicing to Justin Ontong at point and Simmons holing out to JP Duminy at long-on.
West Indies slipped into further trouble when Parnell (2-33) had Andre Fletcher (two) caught by Kyle Abbott at third man leaving the total at 72 for four after 10 overs.
Wiese set them further back with a third wicket – Dwayne Bravo (12) caught superbly at backward square leg by keeper Van Wyk – and Russell (12) followed that by skying Parnell to Ontong.
It was downhill from there as Wiese and Marchant de Lange (2-26) mopped up the tail to seal a comprehensive win. – Nampa-Sapa
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