Stand-in captain Brandon King scored 79 runs as West Indies defeated South Africa by 28 runs in the first Twenty20 international in Kingston. King, deputizing for skipper Rovman Powell, hit six sixes and six boundaries off 45 balls, helping West Indies post 175-8 in their 20 overs.
South Africa struggled in response, managing only 147 all out. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with 87 off 51 balls, but his efforts were in vain. Quinton de Kock fell early for four, and the Proteas never gained momentum. Gudakesh Motie (3-25) and Matthew Forde (3-27) led the West Indies bowling attack.
King, named man-of-the-match, credited his local knowledge of Sabina Park for his performance. He and Kyle Mayers (34) shared a 79-run partnership, propelling West Indies to 109-1 after 10 overs. Andile Phehlukwayo (3-28) and Ottneil Baartman (3-26) were standout bowlers for South Africa.
The series continues in Kingston with matches on Saturday and Sunday, leading up to the T20 World Cup starting June 1.
