Paarl, Jan. 28 -- South Africa crushed the West Indies by nine wickets in the first T20I at Boland Park in Paarl on Tuesday.

South Africa ended their eight-match winless run in T20Is outside of World Cups with a commanding win over the West Indies to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram, coming off a hundred in the recently concluded SA20, starred with a career-best unbeaten 86 to guide his side over the line.

The West Indies put up a solid fight, scoring 173/7 after being sent in to bat. Shimron Hetmyer (48) and Rovman Powell (29*) formed a crucial 74-run partnership, breathing life into the West Indies' innings. George Linde was the standout performer for South Africa, claiming 3 for 25 and earning...