Proteas Women Level Series: Shangase Fifty & Mlaba Four For

Shangase, Luus and Mlaba Help Proteas Women Level ODI Series

Saturday, 14 June 2025 – Barbados – Under the Caribbean sun at the Three Ws Oval, Nondumiso Shangase, Suné Luus, and Nonkululeko Mlaba led a powerful performance that lifted the Proteas Women to a stunning 40‑run victory over the West Indies in the second ODI, bringing the three‑match series level at 1‑1.

A Record Chase with Depth and Flair

After opting to bat first, the visitors started cautiously as Laura Wolvaardt (28) and Tazmin Brits (26) built a 51‑run opening stand over the first 15 overs. But early breakthroughs from West Indies’ Hayley Matthews (2/47) and Afy Fletcher (4/64) left South Africa at 59/2 in the 19th over.

Enter Shangase and Luus. The right-arm off-spinner destroyed expectations with her career‑best 55 off 48 balls, laced with four boundaries and two towering sixes. Luus, ever the anchor, complemented that with a measured 76 off 55 deliveries, guiding South Africa to a formidable 309/9—their highest-ever ODI total against the Windies.

Lower‑Order Momentum

When Luus fell, the enthusiastic duo of Annerie Dercksen (37) and Chloe Tryon (28) added a brisk 57 runs, cementing the total past 300. Nadine de Klerk chipped in offensively, helping the team finish strong.

Mlaba’s Masterclass with the Ball

The Proteas bowlers then took over. Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle each entered the twenties with grace, but threats came from all angles. Aiden de Klerk, Shangase, and Tryon chipped in with wickets—but the standout was Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose left-arm spin claimed a career‑best 4/33 over 10 disciplined overs. She picked crucial scalps, including that of Stafanie Taylor, and denied momentum to the West Indies chase.

West Indies’ Fightback

The hosts began brightly, with Hayley Matthews scoring a gritty 56 off 58 balls, supported by Shemaine Campbelle’s 53. But they crumbled to 269 all out under pressure and quality bowling.

Win Lifts Series and Spirits

That emphatic 40‑run win—matched with grit and skill—brings the series to a tantalizing 1‑1. The decider arrives on Tuesday, 17 June at 16h00 local time (16h00 SAST) .

The Proteas Squad: A Blend of Talent

Key squad members include captain Laura Wolvaardt, opener Tazmin Brits, spin all-rounder Shangase, skipper Luus, pace attack led by Mlaba and Kapp, plus decisive lower‑order batters like Tryon and Dercksen.

Why This Matters

This match showcased South Africa’s resilience—recovering from early wickets to set a competitive total, then dismantling a spirited chase. Their highest-ever ODI total against the hosts shows growth, confidence, and depth.

For the West Indies, Matthews and Campbelle delivered under pressure—but West Indies will want more from their supporting cast in the decider.

What’s Next

All eyes now shift to the series decider on Tuesday, 17 June, also at Three Ws Oval. A T20I series follows the ODIs, on 20, 22, and 23 June. Rich timelines will test both teams’ adaptability across formats.

Stars of the Match

• Nondumiso Shangase – career-high 55

• Suné Luus – anchoring 76

• Nonkululeko Mlaba – destructive 4/33

Combined, they gave South Africa the edge in a crucial moment.