Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits’ unbeaten half-centuries were crucial in South Africa’s dominant 10-wicket victory over the West Indies in their first match of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The South African team successfully chased down a target of 119 runs with a remarkable performance from their opening pair. Laura Wolvaardt scored 59 runs, while Tazmin Brits contributed 57, allowing South Africa to secure the victory with 13 balls to spare.
Right decision
South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. Their decision paid off, as they restricted West Indies to 118 runs.
This was largely due to the impressive bowling performance of Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took 4 wickets for 29 runs, and Marizanne Kapp, who contributed 2 wickets for 14 runs.
Kapp made a breakthrough in the match by taking the early wickets of Haley Mathews, who scored 10 runs, and DeAndra Dottin, who scored 13 runs.
This early setback dashed West Indies’ hopes of a comeback. Despite Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 44 runs, which showcased her remarkable individual effort to keep the West Indies’ run tally competitive, it was not enough to prevent South Africa from securing a crucial victory in Group B.
South Africa ahead
West Indies started steadily but were dealt an early blow with the loss of captain Matthews in the third over.
Opening partner Qiana Joseph was given a reprieve an over earlier after she was dropped on zero by Chloe Tryon but there was no such fortune for Matthews.
The West Indies skipper looked in confident mood with 10 runs from 11 balls early in the contest but was caught behind off Kapp after wafting at a short ball outside off.
In the first five overs, West Indies lost two wickets. Joseph was clean bowled by Mlaba, and shortly after, Dottin tried to stabilize the innings with two fours in her first three balls. However, she was dismissed for just 13 runs by Kapp.
The team was struggling at 32 for three after seven overs. Taylor and Campbelle then tried to steady the innings, but Mlaba dismissed both Campbelle (17) and Chinelle Henry (0) in successive balls.
Mlaba also claimed the wicket of Aaliyah Alleyne (8) with a spectacular catch by Tazmin Brits. However, Taylor remained unbeaten with 44 runs off 41 balls, and James contributed a useful 15 runs, helping West Indies reach a total of 118 for six.
An easy win
South Africa’s batting display was characterized by confidence and control, as Wolvaardt and Brits put on a dominant performance at the crease.
They set the tone early on, both finding the boundary in the opening over, signaling the onslaught that was to follow. By the end of the powerplay, Wolvaardt had amassed 24 runs off 18 balls, propelling her team to 36 without loss.
The duo maintained their momentum, reaching the halfway mark needing 51 runs to secure victory. Brits played a pivotal role in finding the boundary consistently during the middle overs.
Collectively, they notched up 13 boundaries, showcasing an imposing batting display that ultimately secured a comprehensive win for South Africa.
Match summery
West Indies scored 118 runs for six wickets from 20 overs, with Stafanie Taylor making 44 and Shemaine Campbelle contributing 17. Nonkululeko Mlaba took 4 for 29. Marizanne Kapp took 2 for 14. South Africa achieved 119 runs without losing any wickets in 17.5 overs, with Laura Wolvaardt 59 not out and Tazmin Brits 57 not out.
