South Africa collapsed from a winning position to lose by 30 runs to the West Indies on Sunday, with the Caribbean side taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

The West Indies made 179-6 but the Proteas were well on their way to victory, reaching 129-3 with more than six overs remaining.

The South Africans then proceeded to lose their last seven wickets for just 20 runs in 35 balls, finally ending up bowled out for 149.

Reeza Hendricks made 44 off 18 balls in a positive start to the run chase, but it was a day to remember for the West Indies’ seamers at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium.

Romario Shepherd took 3-15 from his four overs, claiming the key wickets of Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram (19).

Fellow pace bowler Shamar Joseph took 3-31 as he did the damage to the lower order.

Shai Hope had set the home side on their way to a good total with his 41 from 22 balls while captain Rovman Powell’s 35 and Sherfane Rutherford’s 29 saw them through the final overs.

Powell was pleased with the way his team had turned the game around after the strong start from the tourists.

“We put the pressure after the powerplay. Wickets would bring us back in the game. T20 cricket can change very fast,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS: West Indies vs Proteas (2nd T20I)

Markram said his experimental and youthful team would learn from the loss and seek to put it right in Tuesday’s final game.

“It’s tough to put a finger on the learnings right now but one thing guaranteed with us is a never-say-die attitude,” he said.

© Agence France-Presse

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