South Africa’s exuberant leg-spinner Imran Tahir routed the West Indies batting line-up last night last night at Warner Park, St. Kitts with a seven-wicket haul that puts the Proteas on top of the Caribbean tri-series. The West Indies were skittled for just 204 in 38 overs, falling to a 139-run defeat in response to South Africa’s 4-343 that was powered by Hashim Amla’s 23rd one-day international century.
Tahir claimed a new career-best with 7-45 from nine overs, while the Proteas emerging leggie Tabraiz Shamsi also picked up two wickets.

Johnson Charles top-scored for the Windies with 49, but the next best from the hosts was Marlon Samuels’ 24 as all but two players reached double figures but none were able to push on after making starts.
In contrast, South Africa blasted the highest score of the one-day international tri-series on the back of Amla’s masterclass and an explosive hitting display from Faf du Plessis.
The West Indies bowlers had no answers as du Plessis sparked a stunning boundary blitz, with 105 runs coming from the final 10 overs to set the hosts a target of 344 at Warner Park.
After being sent in by Windies captain Jason Holder, Amla and Quinton de Kock set about laying the type of platform that had been largely missing from their campaign so far.
Amla began to free his arms after a cautious start under the St Kitts sun as de Kock sat back and let his opening partner continue a growing love affair with the Caribbean opponents.
The 33-year-old batsman was untroubled on his way to a sublime century from 89 balls, taking his average against the Windies to 87.25 with five tons among his career total of 23. He is now just one ODI hundred behind teammates AB de Villiers for the most by a South African.
Amla’s departure for 110 was soon followed by the obliteration of de Kock’s stumps, as IPL million-dollar man Chris Morris was catapulted up the order to No.3.
The experiment worked as the allrounder blasted a rapid 40 from 26 balls, however the real fireworks were still to come.
The West Indies attack began to apply the brakes heading to the conclusion of the innings, until du Plessis began to unleash at the end of the 44th over.
No bowler was safe with de Villiers stepping in for the odd lusty blow, but it was du Plessis doing the bulk of the damage on his way to an unbeaten 73 from 50 balls.
Even Kieron Pollard’s wicket of de Villiers – which was celebrated in a fashion that would draw scorn from Cristiano Ronaldo – failed to slow down the rampaging Proteas on their way to 4-343.
A bonus-point victory for South Africa would ensure they take top spot from the Australians heading into the Barbados leg of the tournament.