Wolvaardt and Brits guide South Africa to 10 wicket victory over West Indies

In the second match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa defeated the West Indies by a margin of 10 wickets thanks to half-centuries from both Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.

The opening duo of Wolvaardt (59) and Brits (57), who were chasing 119, appeared to be in total control as they sealed the victory with 13 balls remaining without losing a wicket for the 2023 runners-up.

After winning the toss, Nonkululeko Mlaba (4/29), Marizanne Kapp (2/14) and the rest of the bowling unit shined with the ball, limiting the West Indies to 118 for six.

Mlaba tore through the middle order to crush any dreams of a West Indies revival in the middle overs, while Kapp struck early to take the crucial wickets of Hayley Matthews (10) and Deandra Dottin (13).Although Stafanie Taylor's unbeaten 44 was essential in helping her team post a solid first-inning total, it was insufficient to stop South Africa from winning a vital match in Group B.

After a steady start, the West Indies suffered an early setback when captain Matthews was removed in the third over.

Qiana Joseph, the opening partner, was granted a respite an over after Chloe Tryon dropped her on zero, but Matthews did not have the same luck.

With 10 runs from 11 balls early in the game, the West Indies captain appeared to be in a confident mood. However, he was caught behind by Kapp after he waved at a short delivery outside off.

After five overs, Joseph (4) came next, outscoring the West Indies 18 for two, with Mlaba taking the first wicket clean.

The West Indies attempted to rally with the powerplay behind them as Deandra Dottin attempted to right the ship on her comeback to international cricket. She appeared to do exactly that by hitting two fours in her opening three deliveries.

However, after just 13 overs, Dottin was out of the game when Kapp took her second wicket of the innings, leaving the West Indies down 32 to 3 after seven overs.

Before Mlaba struck to dismiss Campbelle (17) and Chinelle Henry (0) in consecutive balls, Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle worked together to steady the ship.

Tazmin Brits' outstanding catch at cover point claimed Aaliyah Alleyne (8), Mlaba's second victim. However, Taylor persisted, hitting an unbeaten 44 from 41 balls and Zaida James' helpful 15 to help lead West Indies to 118 for six.
With the bat, South Africa answered calmly as Wolvaardt and the British controlled play at the crease.

In a fitting premonition of things to come, both players opened the innings with boundaries. By the end of the powerplay, Wolvaardt had hit 24 off 18 balls, leaving her team 36 without a loss.

With 51 needed, the two maintained their pace to reach the midway point, a total they comfortably attained with more boundaries being hit by the British during the middle overs.

The two shared 13 boundaries in total in an overpowering effort with the bat to clinch a comfortable victory for South Africa.

Quick scores

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - West Indies vs. South Africa

West Indies 20 overs, 118 for six (Shemaine Campbelle 17, Stefanie Taylor 44, Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/29, Marizanne Kapp 2/14).

From 17.5 overs, South Africa reached 119 for none (Laura Wolvaardt with 59 not out, Tazmin Brits with 57 not out, Aaliyah Alleyne with 0/11, and Qiana Joseph with 0/9)

South Africa wins by ten wickets as a result.