Brandon King led the West Indies to a 28-run victory over South Africa in the first of three T20Is in Jamaica.

King scored 79 from 45 balls, starring with the bat and captaining the Caribbean side to a series lead in front of an adoring home crowd.

Gudakesh Motie was the pick of the West Indian bowlers taking 3/25, while debutants Matthew Forde (3/27) and Shamar Joseph (1/20) each grabbed their first wickets for the Men in Maroon.

King was selected to lead the Windies squad as full-time skipper Rovman Powell, another Jamaican, is unavailable due to commitments to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 play-offs with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Powell is one of many Windies players currently busy playing in IPL 2024 or rested before participating in the upcoming T20I World Cup 2024. 

This is also the case for hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders), batsman Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals), bowler Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Sherfane Rutherford (KKR) who will be staying in India for the T20 tournament.

West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy said the team has completed a high-intensity training camp in Antigua. 

“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup,” he stated. 

Lead selector Desmond Haynes said the series against South Africa will be the Windies’ last competitive matches before the T20 World Cup.

“Players have the opportunity [now] to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool,” Haynes was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

West Indies squad for T20I series vs South Africa: Brandon King (C), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh