South Africa close on T20 World Cup semi-finals after thrashing West Indies

• Markram’s unbeaten 82 proves pivotal in emphatic chase

• De Kock and Rickelton also impress in nine-wicket win

South Africa took a giant leap toward the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies on Thursday.

A whirlwind 95-run opening partnership between the captain, Aiden Markram (82 not out), and Quinton de Kock (47) in eight overs made short work of the chase. Ryan Rickelton added an unbeaten 45 and South Africa motored to 177 for one in 16.1 overs and stretched their unbeaten record in the tournament to six games. West Indies reached 176 for eight, having been 83 for seven.