CAVE HILL, Barbados — In a match that overflowed with boundaries, brilliance, and courageous resistance, South Africa Ladies claimed a 40-run victory over West Indies Ladies on Saturday, leveling the three-match ODI sequence 1-1 in dramatic style on the 3Ws Oval.
A commanding batting efficiency by the guests laid the inspiration for his or her triumph, whereas a composed bowling show within the dying phases ensured that the hosts’ spirited chase ended simply quick, regardless of their highest-ever ODI complete in opposition to the South Africans.
Luus, Shangase lead the cost to 300-plus complete
After West Indies captain Hayley Matthews despatched the Proteas in to bat on a vibrant Barbadian afternoon, South Africa overcame early strain to submit a frightening 309 for 9 from their 50 overs.
The innings was anchored by the elegant strokeplay of Sune Luus, who hammered 76 off 65 balls, laced with eight boundaries. Her assertive innings was complemented by Nondumiso Shangase’s milestone knock—a maiden ODI half-century compiled with authority and timing. Her 55 got here off simply 48 deliveries, punctuated by two commanding sixes.
Although South Africa stumbled initially, dropping two wickets for 59 by the nineteenth over, Luus and Shangase stitched collectively an important 85-run third-wicket stand. Free fielding from the West Indies allowed the pair to settle and ultimately flourish. Luus reached her half-century in 49 balls and continued to speed up, forming invaluable partnerships with the decrease order to push the rating previous 300.
Further contributions from Annerie Dercksen (37), Marizanne Kapp (32), and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (28) ensured a deep and balanced batting show.
Fletcher spins magic amid early management
Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher emerged because the standout with the ball for the West Indies, snaring 4 for 64 in a probing 10-over spell. Matthews additionally impressed together with her off-spin, taking 2 for 47 and making use of early strain that had South Africa wobbling.
Regardless of the disciplined spells from the Caribbean spinners, the guests capitalized on lapses within the area to construct a rating that at all times appeared imposing.
Windies begin vibrant, however stumble within the chase
Needing over six runs per over from the outset, the West Indies started their reply with power. By the seventh over, the hosts had reached 40 earlier than Qiana Joseph nicked behind off the ever-reliable Kapp for 17.
Releanna Grimmond added 15 in a gentle stand with Matthews earlier than edging behind with the rating at 80. Matthews, main from the entrance, crafted a fluent 56 however perished tamely within the twentieth over, leaving the Windies at a precarious 107 for 3.
Vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle anchored the center order with a composed 53, whereas Chinelle Henry’s brisk 39 gave the house aspect hope. However the asking fee continued to climb, and the Proteas’ bowlers struck at essential moments.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba turned the screws with a decisive spell of 4 for 33, and Kapp returned to complete with 2 for 42. The West Indies had been in the end bowled out on the ultimate ball for 269—a formidable effort, however simply shy of the mark.
Matthews: “Loads of positives to remove”
Regardless of the loss, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews expressed delight in her group’s spirited batting show.
“I nonetheless assume we will take a whole lot of positives out of it, for certain. Chasing 309 was at all times going to be a tough process, however I believe, for us to get to 260 plus was fairly spectacular,” Matthews mentioned.
“I used to be additionally happy with the way in which we received there with so many batters chipping in, and I suppose not simply counting on one or two gamers was good to see.”
Looking forward to Tuesday’s sequence decider, Matthews emphasised the necessity for consistency—notably within the bowling division.
“I believe we had been actually good in areas and durations at the moment. In all probability we simply must be good for a bit longer, particularly throughout the bowling innings.
I really feel like we positively hit par with the bat and went by our innings effectively. In all probability we simply have to attempt to limit the opposition a bit much less subsequent match. That’s going to place us in with a greater probability.”
Collection decider set for Tuesday at 3Ws Oval
With the sequence now tantalizingly poised at 1-1, the ultimate ODI guarantees one other thrilling chapter. Each groups have proven flashes of dominance—and vulnerability—and the stage is ready for a high-stakes showdown in Cave Hill.
The West Indies Ladies will hope house benefit and classes discovered will gasoline a series-clinching efficiency, whereas South Africa will intention to construct on their all-round effort and stroll away with the silverware.
