CAVE HILL, Barbados – The West Indies Girls launched their three-match One-Day Worldwide (ODI) collection towards South Africa with a spirited four-wicket victory in a rain-affected contest on the Three Ws Oval on Wednesday.
In a match formed by perseverance and precision, the Caribbean aspect capitalized on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) methodology to prevail—marking a triumphant return to kind following a winless tour of England that noticed six consecutive defeats.
Bowlers set the tone early
Profitable the toss and opting to area, the West Indies bowlers maintained tight strains and constant stress to restrict South Africa to 232 for 9 of their allotted 50 overs.
Karishma Ramharack (2-44) and Aaliyah Alleyne (2-35) led the cost with the ball, whereas razor-sharp fielding turned the tide with two very important run-outs.
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for 27, courtesy of a swift run-out orchestrated by Realeanna Grimmond, and Nondumiso Shangase adopted quickly after, falling for 2 through a pinpoint effort from Zaida James.
Regardless of gritty efforts from Tazmin Brits, who crafted a composed 57 off 65 balls, and Nadine de Klerk, whose 42 off 38 deliveries offered late momentum, the guests’ innings finally misplaced steam below mounting stress from the hosts.
Joseph shines in rain-shortened chase
With rain interrupting play, the West Indies confronted a revised goal of 180 runs below the DLS system. In response, the house aspect’s opening pair laid a commanding basis with an 88-run partnership.
Captain Hayley Matthews anchored the innings with a strong 40 off 44 balls, whereas her associate, the enterprising Qiana Joseph, dazzled with a career-best 60 off 58. Her innings, laced with 10 boundaries and a towering six, saved the West Indies nicely forward of the par rating and in command of the chase.
Center-order stumble provides late drama
Regardless of the regular begin, the chase threatened to unravel within the center overs. Grimmond (5), Chinelle Henry (11), Shemaine Campbelle (12), and Jannilla Glasgow (10) all fell cheaply, leaving the match precariously balanced.
Nonetheless, veteran stalwart Stafanie Taylor exhibited calm below stress, guiding the workforce to victory with an unbeaten 30 off 34 deliveries. Supported by Alleyne, who contributed an important single, the duo steered the hosts safely throughout the end line.
South Africa’s Ayanda Hlubi impressed with figures of three for 50, however lacked enough assist to halt the West Indian momentum.
With the collection now tipped 1-0 in favor of the West Indies, all eyes flip to the second ODI on Saturday, the place the house workforce will goal to seal the collection and proceed their path towards redemption after current setbacks.
