The Proteas Women’s team launched their 2024 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup campaign in electrifying fashion, crushing the West Indies by 10 wickets in their Group B opening clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 4.
It was a match that showcased the sheer brilliance of South Africa’s bowling and opening batting units, leaving no doubt about South Africa’s title aspirations.
After winning the toss, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt made the call to bowl first, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout performer, delivering a career-best bowling display that dismantled the West Indian batting lineup.
Mlaba’s spell was nothing short of a masterclass, claiming 4/29 including the key scalps of Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, and Aaliyah Alleyne. Her precision and sharp turn on the ball left the West Indies in disarray, unable to build any meaningful partnerships.
Alongside Mlaba, the Proteas Women’s other wicket-taker Marizanne Kapp was equally lethal, picking up 2/14 runs, included the wickets of the ever-dangerous Deandra Dottin and Windies captain Hayley Matthews, two of the most feared batters in the game. Kapp’s deadly accuracy combined with her ability to break through at critical moments kept the pressure on the opposition.
Despite the early wickets, West Indies clawed their way to a competitive 118/6, largely thanks to the composed efforts of Stafanie Taylor, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44*.
Zaida James added some late fireworks with a quick 15*, helping to push the total beyond the 100-mark. However, with Ayabonga Khaka and Chloe Tryon applying further pressure through tight spells, it was always going to be a tall order for the West Indies.
The South African opening pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits made the task look effortless. The duo put on a batting clinic, playing with a mix of flair and poise as they steadily chipped away at the target. Wolvaardt, leading from the front, smashed an unbeaten 59*, while Brits contributed an equally classy 57*.
Their 119-run opening partnership was a statement of intent, as they made light work of the West Indian bowling attack. Wolvaardt’s seven boundaries and Brits’ six were the highlights of their composed yet dominating approach, as they wrapped up the game in just 17.3 overs.
This commanding victory not only hands South Africa two crucial points in Group B but also sets the tone for their World Cup campaign. With Nonkululeko Mlaba at her peak and the batting lineup looking sharp, the Proteas Women are sending out a clear message, they are here to contend for the title.
South Africa will play their next match against England on Monday, 07 October at 16h00 (SAST) in Sharjah and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
South Africa and Knock-Out Fixtures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, from 3 – 20 October
Fri, 4 Oct: 1st T20I: South Africa beat West Indies by 10 wickets (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Mon, 7 Oct 16h00: 2nd T20I: England vs South Africa (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
Wed, 9 Oct 12h00: 3rd T20I: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Sat, 12 Oct 16h00: 4th T20I: Bangladesh vs South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Thu, 17 Oct 16h00: Semi-final 1 (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
Fri, 18 Oct 16h00: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
Sun, 20 Oct 16h00: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)
The Proteas Women XI for the First T20I vs West Indies in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE on Friday, 4 October, 2024
Laura Wolvaardt (c)
Tazmin Brits
Marizanne Kapp
Anneke Bosch
Suné Luus
Chloe Tryon
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Sinalo Jafta (wk)
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Ayabonga Khaka
Main Photo Caption: The Proteas Women launched their 2024 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup campaign in electrifying fashion, crushing the West Indies by 10 wickets in their Group B opening clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Photo: Cricket SA
Photo 2 Caption: Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed a career-best haul of 4/24 in her four overs to decimate the West Indies batting line-up after SA chose to bowl first. Photo: Cricket SA
Photo 3 Caption: SA skipper Laura Wolvaardt was threading ‘through the eye of the needle’ boundaries from the first over in the Proteas Women’s reply. Photo: Cricket SA
Photo 4 Caption: Wolvaardt and opening bat partner Tazmin Brits both carried their bats for South Africa’s 10-wicket win, with thirteen balls remaining. Photo: Cricket SA
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