South Africa posted their highest-ever total against the West Indies in ODI cricket, a formidable 309/9, thanks to standout batting displays by Suné Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, and Annerie Dercksen. Luus top-scored with 76 off 55 balls, while Shangase notched up a career-best 55 from 48 deliveries. 

Suné Luus. Photo: Cricket WI

The pair shared a vital 85-run partnership that laid the foundation for the innings. Later contributions from Dercksen with 37, Chloe Tryon with 28, and Nadine de Klerk helped push the total beyond the 300 mark.

Earlier in the innings, openers Tazmin Brits with 26 and captain Laura Wolvaardt with 28 set a steady platform, although scoring was slow during the powerplay. West Indies spinners Hayley Matthews and Afy Fletcher made key breakthroughs, but the middle-order fightback gave the visitors the edge.

In reply, West Indies captain Matthews led from the front with a well-compiled 56, supported by Shemaine Campbelle, who scored 53. Despite their efforts, the hosts were bowled out for 269. The left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star with the ball, returning career-best figures of 4/33. 

Nondumiso Shangase. Photo: Cricket WI

She received good support from Marizanne Kapp, who played in her 150th ODI,  with 2/42, Shangase with 1/21, Tryon with 1/35, and Ayanda Hlubi with 1/47.

Although there were late resistance efforts from Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, and Fletcher, the Proteas Women remained in control throughout the second innings.

The decisive third ODI is scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue, with the series now tantalisingly poised at 1-1.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg