West Indies Women defeat Proteas Women in rain-hit ODI | Qiana Joseph stars

JOSEPH SHINES BRIGHT AS WINDIES SEIZE OPENING ODI WIN OVER PROTEAS WOMEN

BARBADOS, 11 June 2025 — The West Indies Women took an early lead in their home ODI series against South Africa with a thrilling rain-affected four-wicket victory, orchestrated by the batting brilliance of Qiana Joseph and the composed finish by veteran Stafanie Taylor. In a match that ebbed and flowed with momentum shifts and weather interruptions, it was Joseph’s bold 60 off 58 balls that set the tone before Taylor’s calm guidance sealed the chase at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados.

Joseph leads the charge in revised chase

Opening the innings after the Proteas set a competitive 232/9, the West Indies found themselves in command early, thanks to the explosive start by Joseph and skipper Hayley Matthews. Their 88-run opening stand was just what the Caribbean side needed, with Joseph piercing gaps and asserting dominance with ten boundaries and a mighty six. Her strokeplay lit up the afternoon and proved decisive in putting pressure on South Africa’s pace unit.

Though South African pacer Ayanda Hlubi struck thrice, including the key wickets of both openers, the Windies had enough momentum behind them. The heavens opened in the 25th over with the hosts at 132/4, prompting a DLS adjustment. The target was revised to 180 from 34 overs, and when play resumed, South Africa sensed an opportunity.

But Taylor, with her unmatched temperament, had other ideas. Her unbeaten 30 steadied the ship in the face of mounting pressure. She rotated the strike cleverly and protected her partners, ensuring the West Indies crossed the line with 12 balls to spare, drawing cheers from the local supporters under the evening skies of Barbados.

Proteas post fighting total despite mid-innings collapse

Earlier in the day, South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss. The openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, set a solid platform with a 73-run stand. Brits, who brought up her second ODI fifty with elegance, also etched her name into the record books by becoming the second-fastest South African woman to score 1,000 ODI runs. She struck five boundaries and cleared the ropes once during her 65-ball 57, offering a glimpse of her growing consistency at the top.

But Wolvaardt’s run-out in the 16th over marked the beginning of a mini-collapse. The introduction of West Indies spinners Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack turned the tide. Ramharack’s double breakthrough – removing Brits and the out-of-sorts Annerie Dercksen – left the Proteas reeling at 105/4.

Suné Luus and Sinalo Jafta attempted to stabilise proceedings, adding 40 for the fifth wicket, but the Windies bowlers kept tightening the noose. Hayley Matthews, who had a quiet spell with the bat, contributed with a crucial wicket, and Aaliyah Alleyne picked up two scalps to leave the visitors stuttering at 168/7.

A late flourish from Nadine de Klerk, who scored a fluent 42, along with Ayabonga Khaka’s gritty 18, gave South Africa a respectable total of 232/9. It could have been more if not for the disciplined bowling and sharp fielding display by the hosts.

Rain, DLS, and Taylor's calm head

The unpredictable Barbados weather added a twist. With rain stopping play mid-chase, the pressure was suddenly on the batters to recalculate their approach post-delay. The revised target of 180 in 34 overs tilted the match slightly in South Africa’s favour, especially after quick wickets resumed play.

However, Taylor’s seasoned presence ensured composure. Her ability to control the game under pressure showcased why she remains a pillar in West Indies Women’s cricket. She absorbed the pressure, guided the youngsters, and held the innings together — reaffirming her value beyond just runs.

What this means for both teams

With a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series, the West Indies now have a chance to clinch the series when the two teams meet again on Saturday, 14 June, at the same venue. The Proteas, meanwhile, will be keen to regroup and address their mid-innings batting frailties and bowling execution at the death.

This series also marks a crucial phase in both teams’ preparation for upcoming ICC Women’s Championship fixtures, making every performance and point vital in the global standings.

The second ODI promises more fireworks, and if Day 1 is anything to go by, fans are in for a compelling series.