Having entered the series decider with hopes of securing an ODI series win at home against South Africa, West Indies Women instead suffered a crushing reality check as they turned in a dismal batting performance to lose by 166 runs via the DLS method at the Three Ws Oval on Tuesday.
With the three-match series level at 1-1, expectations were high for a thrilling conclusion, but it was South Africa who brought the intensity and composure required, as they produced a dominant display with both bat and ball to clinch the series 2-1.
Rain again played a part in the outcome as it trimmed South Africa’s innings to 45.5 overs, in which they powered their way to 278-6 on the back of a majestic 101 from Tazmin Brits and a fluent 75 from captain Laura Wolvaardt. The revised target for West Indies ballooned to 288 from 39 overs, but the chase quickly unraveled in dramatic fashion.
The hosts were bundled out for 121 in just 27.5 overs, as only Aaliyah Alleyne (32) and Jahzara Claxton (43) offered any resistance in a collapsing batting order.
Scores: South Africa 278-6 (45.5 overs); West Indies 121-9 (27.5 overs)
After being sent in to bat, South Africa’s top order flourished once more, this time with Brits stealing the spotlight. Her 101 off 91 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, was the backbone of the innings and came in a 184-run opening stand with Wolvaardt, who struck seven boundaries in her 76-ball 75.
Marizanne Kapp, with an unbeaten 34, and Annerie Dercksen (12) were the only other noteworthy contributions as West Indies' bowlers, led by Afy Fletcher’s 3-53, briefly fought back before another burst of rain halted proceedings.
When the revised target was set at 288 from 39 overs, it always looked like a stiff ask, but the magnitude of the West Indies collapse was staggering. If there was any hope of chasing the total, it evaporated within the first three overs. Hayley Matthews (eight), Qiana Joseph (one), Zaida James (one), and Chinelle Henry (zero) all fell with the score on just 10, and that collapse resulted in the Caribbean side being reduced to the Windies reduced to 40-6 by the 16th over.
Only Alleyne and Claxton showed fight with a 65-run stand, the only real highlight of the innings. Claxton’s knock, which included four boundaries and two sixes, was played with courage and flair but came far too late to alter the outcome.
Masabata Klaas was the pick of the South African bowlers, snaring 4-25, while Nonkululeko Mlaba (2-25) and Annerie Dercksen (2-1) offered perfect support to dismantle the West Indies lineup.