By Deepak Sharma
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Dubai, UAE – 04-10-2024: Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits both struck unbeaten half-centuries to guide South Africa to a commanding 10-wicket victory over West Indies in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Chasing 119, Wolvaardt (59*) and Brits (57*) put on a clinical batting display, securing the win with 13 balls to spare without losing a wicket, as the 2023 runners-up started their campaign in style.
Earlier, Nonkululeko Mlaba (4/29) and Marizanne Kapp (2/14) delivered standout performances with the ball, restricting West Indies to 118/6 after South Africa opted to bowl first. Kapp made early breakthroughs, dismissing key batters Hayley Matthews (10) and Deandra Dottin (13), while Mlaba dismantled the middle order to stifle any West Indian resurgence.
Stafanie Taylor played a crucial knock of 44*, anchoring the West Indies’ innings and helping them reach a competitive total, but it wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from securing a crucial Group B victory.
West Indies began cautiously but suffered an early setback with the loss of skipper Hayley Matthews in the third over. Her opening partner, Qiana Joseph, had been given a lifeline in the second over when Chloe Tryon dropped her on zero, but Matthews wasn’t as fortunate. After looking comfortable with 10 off 11 balls, Matthews was caught behind after attempting a loose shot off Kapp.
Joseph (4) fell soon after, bowled cleanly by Mlaba, leaving the West Indies at 18/2 after five overs. Deandra Dottin, returning to international cricket, tried to rebuild, hitting two boundaries in her first three balls. However, Kapp struck again to remove Dottin for 13, leaving West Indies in trouble at 32/3 by the seventh over.
Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle attempted to steady the innings, but Mlaba’s double strike in the 12th over dismissed Campbelle (17) and Chinelle Henry (0) in consecutive deliveries. Aaliyah Alleyne (8) became Mlaba’s fourth victim, with Tazmin Brits taking a sharp catch at cover point.
Despite the wickets tumbling around her, Taylor fought on, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 41 balls, supported by a handy 15 from Zaida James. The West Indies finished on 118/6 in their 20 overs.
South Africa’s reply was nothing short of dominant. Wolvaardt and Brits opened the innings with intent, hitting boundaries in the first over, setting the tone for the rest of the chase. Wolvaardt was particularly aggressive, racing to 24 off 18 balls by the end of the powerplay, as South Africa reached 36/0.
The pair continued to score at a steady rate, needing just 51 runs at the halfway stage, and cruised towards the target with ease. Brits contributed significantly in the middle overs, finding gaps and hitting boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
In total, the duo hit 13 boundaries between them, delivering a comprehensive win for South Africa without any discomfort. The partnership ensured South Africa reached 119/0 in 17.5 overs, clinching a comfortable 10-wicket victory.
Scores in Brief:
West Indies: 118/6 in 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 44*, Shemaine Campbelle 17; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/29, Marizanne Kapp 2/14)
South Africa: 119/0 in 17.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 59*, Tazmin Brits 57*; Aaliyah Alleyne 0/11, Qiana Joseph 0/9)
Result: South Africa won by 10 wickets
