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South Africa beat West Indies by eight wickets
South Africa beat West Indies by eight wickets in the Dubai International Stadium. This was the second consecutive defeat for the defending champions, who managed only 143/8. South Africa chased the target down in 18.2 overs.
Evin Lewis struck six sixes and three fours in his 35-ball 56, but his teammates did not provide him support. Lendl Simmons faced 35 balls for 16, that too sans boundaries. Dwaine Pretorius claimed three wickets.
South Africa then rode on a quick 51 not out from Aiden Markram to win the match with 10 balls remaining. Reeza Hendricks provided support, with 39 not out.
De Kock refuses to take knee
Quinton de Kock made himself unavailable for the game against Pakistan after Cricket South Africa issued a directive, that required every player to take the knee. As of now, there is no confirmation over de Kock's availability for the next game.
'We have a few days before the next game and I think those days will be tough for the group. Guys who want to know in terms of his decision, will use that time to find out a bit better,' said captain Temba Bavuma in the post-match conference.
Pakistan register second successive win in T20 World Cup
Pakistan romped to a second successive win, beating New Zealand by five wickets at Sharjah Stadium. They chased down 135 in 18.4 overs. At one stage they were 69/4, but Asif Ali (27) and Shoaib Malik (26) held their nerves, and got them over the line in a flurry of boundaries.
Earlier, Haris Rauf claimed four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a below-par total. Their innings never gathered momentum, and none of the batters scored more than 30.
Ferguson ruled out of T20 World cup
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 after enduring a calf tear. He has been replaced by Adam Milne. Ferguson complained of a stiff calf, and was taken for an MRI scan which revealed a tear.
'He's a massive part of our T20 side and has been in such good form - so to lose him at this time is a blow. However, we are fortunate to have a like for like replacement in the form of Adam Milne who has been with the squad training for the past two weeks,' said head coach Garry Stead.