A dominant bowling performance by South Africa limited West Indies to a modest 119 in their Group B clash, with Marizanne Kapp claiming key wickets of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin. Nonkululeko Mlaba shone with impressive figures of 4/29.
South Africa’s openers made light work of the target, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits delivering a commanding performance, reaching the goal with 13 balls to spare.
Wolvaardt set the tone early with a stunning drive during the powerplay. West Indies’ woes worsened when Zaida James was hit in the face by a shot off her own bowling, forcing her out after delivering just one ball. Despite turning to eight different bowlers, West Indies couldn’t find a breakthrough. They now face crucial games against Scotland, Bangladesh, and England.
South Africa’s convincing win boosts their confidence in going further than their previous WT20WC performance, with Wolvaardt (59) and Brits (57) in excellent form, posing a serious threat to top teams.
First Innings Summary:
South Africa won the toss and chose to field in Dubai, taking early wickets in the powerplay. Marizanne Kapp dismissed West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for 10, sparking celebrations. Qiana Joseph struggled and was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba for 4 off 14 balls, leaving West Indies at 31/2 after the powerplay.
Deandra Dottin’s quickfire 13 (11) ended with another wicket for Kapp, while Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle rebuilt with a 30-run partnership. Mlaba, however, kept West Indies in check, taking two wickets in two balls to remove Campbelle (17) and Chinelle Henry (0), later dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne as well.
Mlaba’s 4/29 was vital, especially as Sune Luus couldn’t bowl due to a hand injury. Taylor, supported by Zaida James (15*), hobbled through her innings to steer West Indies to 118/6 in 20 overs, but the score proved insufficient against South Africa’s strong start.
