South Africa beat the Windies by 166 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method at the Three Ws Oval, sealing a 2-1 series win.

Batting first in the rain-interrupted third and final ODI, the Proteas posted 278/6 in 45.5 overs. Klerksdorp-born opener Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt laid a solid foundation with a 184-run partnership for the first wicket in just 26.1 overs. 

Proteas Women. Photo: Cricket WI

Brits notched up her fourth ODI century, scoring 101 off 91 balls before being caught by Hayley Matthews off the bowling of Afy Fletcher. Wolvaardt followed shortly afterwards, bowled by Fletcher for a well-played 75 off 76 balls, with South Africa scoring 200/2.

Further down the order, Marizanne Kapp contributed 34 off 42 deliveries. Fletcher was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/53 in her 10 overs.

Due to rain interruptions, the West Indies were set a revised target of 288 in 39 overs. However, they found themselves in deep trouble early on, struggling at 40/6 by the 16th over with most of their top order back in the hut.

‘Efforts were in vain as the hosts were bowled out’

Aaliyah Alleyne scored 32, and Jahzara Claxton added 43, but their efforts were in vain as the hosts were bowled out for 121 in 27.5 overs.

Botshabelo-born seamer Masabata Klaas was outstanding with the ball, taking 4/25 in her six overs. All-rounder Annerie Dercksen wrapped up the match in style, claiming 2/1 in just five deliveries.

Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba also impressed with 2/25 in her seven overs, while Kapp chipped in with 1/7 in four overs.

Reflecting on the series win, Wolvaardt said that while it’s one thing to perform well in ICC tournaments, consistency in bilateral series is just as important.

“That’s a long time to go without a series win, so this is very pleasing for the group,” said Wolvaardt.

“Obviously, we had quite a few losses and draws. We still did well in World Cups in between, but our bilateral record is something we’ve spoken about and really want to improve on throughout the year.

Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I think this is a really good step in the right direction. Losing the first game put us on the back foot, which made us sharpen up our plans for the second and third matches. 

“To almost reach the 300-mark twice in a row was very encouraging. We’ve been aiming for that milestone quite regularly, so it’s great to see our batting heading in the right direction.”

The first of three T20 Internationals between the Windies and South Africa will be played on Friday, with the match in Cave Hill set to get underway at 20:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  mvh