Proteas Women Clinch Tri-Series Win with Tryon, Dercksen Heroics

Dercksen’s Century and Tryon’s All-Round Brilliance Lift Proteas Women to Tri-Series Victory

In a performance that blended grit, power, and experience, Proteas Women ended their ODI Tri-Series campaign on a high with a comprehensive 76-run victory over hosts Sri Lanka Women in Colombo on Friday. The standout performances came from two names that are quickly becoming cornerstones of South African women's cricket Annerie Dercksen and Chloé Tryon.

This match may have been a dead rubber with India already qualified for the final, but for South Africa, it was a moment of pride and resurgence. Dercksen’s maiden international century and Tryon’s exceptional all-round display ensured the Proteas signed off with a statement win and a reminder of the depth within their ranks.

Dercksen’s Day: Maiden Century Sets the Tone

When Annerie Dercksen walked in with South Africa teetering at 89/5, few could have predicted the carnage that was about to unfold. With calm authority and controlled aggression, Dercksen unleashed one of the finest innings in recent Proteas Women history. Her 104 off 84 balls, studded with 9 fours and 6 sixes, turned the game on its head.

Coming in when South Africa had lost key batters including Wolvaardt and Brits, Dercksen steadied the ship in partnerships first with Nondumiso Shangase (42 runs) and then with Chloé Tryon (112 runs). She not only rebuilt the innings but shifted the momentum entirely with clean striking and smart rotation.

This was not just her first international hundred it was also the fastest ODI century by a South African woman, a record previously held by Lizelle Lee. Dercksen also became the first Proteas Women player since Laura Wolvaardt in 2022 to score three consecutive ODI fifties, underlining her rapid rise in the international arena.

Tryon’s Takeover: 74 Runs and a Hat-Trick

If Dercksen provided the foundation, Chloé Tryon delivered the final flourish and then came back to destroy Sri Lanka’s chase. Her 74 off just 51 deliveries, featuring 4 fours and 5 sixes, was classic Tryon explosive, fearless, and game-changing. Together with Nadine de Klerk (32*), she added vital late runs, pushing South Africa to a daunting 315/9 in 50 overs.

But her day was far from over. When Sri Lanka began their chase with positive intent, it was Tryon who turned the tide once more. She claimed her first ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/34, including a dramatic hat-trick in the 42nd over.

Tryon’s three-in-three removed key lower-order batters and killed off any hopes of a late surge from the hosts. With this milestone, she joined the elite club of Proteas Women cricketers to have taken a hat-trick in ODIs following Masabata Klaas and Dane van Niekerk.

Vihanga’s Brilliance Overshadowed

Sri Lanka’s Dewmi Vihanga was a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable outing for the hosts. Her 5/43 was a career-best performance that briefly threatened to derail South Africa’s innings. After breaking the 68-run opening stand between Wolvaardt (33) and Tazmin Brits (38), Vihanga ripped through the middle order with sharp, accurate off-spin.

Her spell reduced the Proteas to 89/5, giving Sri Lanka a real shot at controlling the game. But Dercksen and Tryon had other plans. Despite Vihanga’s heroics, the scoreboard pressure and late power-hitting took the game away from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Response Falls Short

In reply, Sri Lanka Women made a brisk start with Hasini Perera (30) and Vishmi Gunaratne (24) looking solid. The chase appeared on course during a 56-run partnership between captain Chamari Athapaththu (52) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33). But wickets at key intervals derailed their progress.

Ayabonga Khaka’s experience came to the fore as she picked up 2/30, while debutant Seshnie Naidu and young Miané Smit made important breakthroughs. With Sri Lanka at 160/4, they still had an outside chance, but once Tryon returned for her final spell, the match turned sharply in South Africa’s favour.

Her hat-trick wiped out the tail, and a run-out sealed a strong comeback win for a South African side that had underwhelmed earlier in the series.

A Glimpse into the Proteas Women's Future

Beyond the result, this game may be remembered as a defining moment in the careers of Annerie Dercksen and Chloé Tryon. For Dercksen, this was a validation of her potential. For Tryon, it reaffirmed her status as a genuine match-winner.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt will take heart from the performance of her younger teammates, especially ahead of a packed calendar including the 2025 ICC Women’s Championship and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

With experienced names like Luus, Khaka, and Jafta in the squad, and emerging stars like Dercksen, Smit, and Naidu stepping up, Proteas Women are building a squad that combines flair with depth.

Eyes Now on the Final: India vs Sri Lanka

With this win, South Africa bow out of the Tri-Series on a high, leaving India and Sri Lanka to contest the final on Sunday, May 11, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. All eyes will be on Athapaththu’s team to bounce back after this defeat, while India will look to continue their dominant run in the tournament.

For the Proteas Women, it’s a return home with confidence restored and young stars discovered. More importantly, it’s a strong message that South Africa remains a serious contender in women’s cricket’s top tier.