South Africa Women produced a fine all-round performance to secure a 40-run win over the West Indies Women at the 3ws Oval on Saturday and tie their three-match One-Day International Series at 1-1.
The tourists posted 309 for nine from their 50 overs after being asked to bat first by West Indian captain Hayley Matthews on a sunny day at the UWI Cave Hill campus.
All but four of South Africa’s batters on the day got starts but Sune Luus and Nondumiso Shangase were the only two to register half-centuries.
Luus, batting at number four, top scored with 76 off just 65 balls, including eight fours while Nondumiso, who batted one spot higher, hit four fours and two sixes on her way to a 48-ball 55.
Annerie Dercksen (37), Marizanne Kapp (32), captain Laura Wolvaardt (28), Chloe Tryon (28) and Tazmin Brits (26) also made solid contributions to what ended up being a winning total.
Afy Fletcher was the best West Indian bowler on the day with four for 64 from her 10 overs of leg spin, while the skipper partnered her well with two for 47 from her 10 overs.
The West Indies then made a decent effort of the chase but lost wickets at crucial intervals before ultimately being dismissed on the lass ball of the innings for 269.
Matthews led the charge with 56 off 58 balls at the top of the order, including nine fours, while vice-captain and wicket-keeper Shemaine Campbelle was the next highest scorer with 53 off 58 balls, including four fours and a six.
All-rounder Chinelle Henry also played a good hand with 39 but, unfortunately for the hosts, no other batter was able to get past 20.
Left arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was excellent on her way to figures of four for 33 from her 10 overs, while pacer Marizanne Kapp picked up two for 42 from her six overs in support.
The series decider will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.
