South Africa have survived a “heavy blow” to escape with a crucial victory over the West Indies, keeping their hopes alive at the T20 World Cup.
A horror collision between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen could have been disastrous for the Proteas, with the two fast bowlers colliding on the boundary.
Both players were chasing to save a boundary when a clear miscommunication saw them run straight into each other, causing concern from the commentary position.
READ MORE: Racing legend in ICU after ‘catastrophic’ 500km/h crash
READ MORE: Maroons star bites back at Joey’s Latrell claim
READ MORE: Harsh reality as $800k star weighs Tigers future
“That was always on the cards,” Alison Mitchell said.
“Where was the communication? Both bowlers, both down, this is not good for South Africa. Long off and long on, Both coming together, both eyes on the ball but what about each other? Now that’s a heavy blow … Jansen is in real trouble.”
The quicks both stayed down for a brief period before rising to their feet, but it was undoubtedly a scary moment at a vital stage of the contest.
“This is where a horrible thing like a broken leg can happen,” former New Zealand bowler Danny Morrison said.
“Man it is a solid collision. That’s not much fun … the second blow he lands awkwardly. I’m so pleased to see him up and walking.”
Despite the mishap in the outfield, South Africa managed to restrict the Windies to a modest total of 8-135 from their 20 overs, with Tabraiz Shamsi taking three wickets.
In a rain-affected run chase, the Proteas got off to a rough start when Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks fell cheaply as they looked at a revised target of 123 from 17 overs.
A steady middle-order display from Tristan Stubbs (29) and a quickfire cameo from Heinrich Klaasen (22) put them back on top.
In a full-circle moment in the match, Jansen and Rabada were the last two batters at the crease for South Africa, steering them home to win by three wickets in the final over.
Jansen hit a maximum over mid-on with just five balls remaining to secure the victory.
The Proteas will advance to the semi finals, while the Windies will miss out on the final-four after finishing with just one victory in the Super Eight stage.