The West Indies Women began their three-match One-Day International (ODI) campaign against South Africa on a winning note, as they held their nerve in a rain-affected encounter to secure a four-wicket victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados on Wednesday.
In a contest interrupted and shaped by intermittent showers, the home side showed flashes of grit and composure, qualities that head coach Shane Deitz will hope become hallmarks of a new era for the regional side, who were returning to winning ways after being swept 6-0 on their tour of England.
After winning the toss and opting to field first, the West Indies bowlers found early reward through disciplined spells and crucial breakthroughs.
Aaliyah Alleyne captured two for 35 and Karishma Ramharack took two for 44 to lead the West Indies attack, which restrict South Africa to 232 for nine off their allotted 50 overs.
Despite threatening contributions from Tazmin Brits, who slammed five fours and a six in a 65-ball 57, and Nadine de Klerk, who made a brisk 42 off 38 balls, including three fours and two sixes, the visitors, who started brightly, faltered under pressure from an increasingly sharp West Indian fielding display.
Notably, run-outs proved pivotal, with Laura Wolvaardt (27) and Nondumiso Shangase (two) both falling short, thanks to some slick work from Realeanna Grimmond and Zaida James, respectively.
Set a reduced target of 180, the West Indies’ reply began with purpose, as captain Hayley Matthews, who made 40 off 44, and Qiana Joseph, who top-scored with a 58-ball 60, laid a confident platform.
The pair posted a rapid 88-run opening stand that put the West Indies well ahead of the DLS par score. Matthews struck four fours and a six in her knock, while Joseph slammed 10 fours and a six.
Though the middle order stumbled slightly with Grimmond (five) and the returning Chenelle Henry (11) having brief stays in the middle, along with Shemaine Campbelle (12) and Jannilla Glasgow (10), experienced hands Stafanie Taylor, with an unbeaten 34-ball 30, and Alleyne calmly steered the West Indies to victory.
South Africans briefly clawed back through Ayanda Hlubi’s impressive three for 50.
With two more ODIs to come, the West Indies women will look to build on their 1-0 lead when they face South Africa in the second match at the same venue on Saturday.
