Proteas Women Draw First Blood in ODI Opener Against West Indies
In a captivating start to the South Africa Women's tour of the West Indies, the Proteas took early control of the series with a composed yet competitive performance in the first ODI held at the historic Three Ws Oval in Barbados on June 11, 2025. Batting first after being put in by the West Indies Women, South Africa posted a total of 232 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs—an innings that was a mix of steady partnerships, mid-innings hiccups, and a late surge to put up a defendable score.
Opening batter Tazmin Brits led the charge with a commanding 57 off 65 deliveries, showcasing her usual confidence at the top with five fours and a six. She formed a solid 73-run partnership with skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who played a more measured hand with 27 runs before an unfortunate run-out halted the momentum. The breakthrough for the West Indies came just as South Africa looked to press the accelerator, and it set off a small collapse that saw the Proteas lose three wickets for just 32 runs, including the key dismissal of Brits herself.
In the middle order, Sune Luus added a valuable 32, holding the innings together while the West Indies bowlers, particularly Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack, applied pressure. The star with the ball for the Windies was Realeanna Grimmond, whose sharp fielding and accurate throws led to two run-outs, including the key wicket of Wolvaardt. The innings found some late life thanks to Nadine de Klerk, who struck a fluent 42 off just 38 balls, adding crucial runs at the back end and pushing the total past the 230-mark.
Also Read:- Harvey Weinstein Convicted Again in New York Retrial Amid Jury Tensions
- Houston Braces for More Storms as Flood Risks Rise Across Southeast Texas
Chasing 233, the West Indies Women had a cautious but confident start, reaching 111 for 2 at the 20-over mark. Qiana Joseph looked particularly impressive, scoring 60 off 58 balls with ten boundaries and a six, but her dismissal—caught by Ayabonga Khaka off Ayanda Hlubi—halted the flow of runs at a crucial juncture. At the crease were the experienced Stafanie Taylor and the young Realeanna Grimmond, but the required run rate had begun to climb steadily.
South Africa’s bowlers, including the spin duo of Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nondumiso Shangase, maintained tight lines to keep the pressure on. Shangase's short spell was particularly frugal, giving away just 4 runs in her first over. Mlaba was miserly too, conceding just 1 run in her over, stifling the batters and tightening the noose.
The Windies will need 122 more runs with eight wickets in hand—certainly achievable, but with the middle overs approaching, the onus will be on Taylor and the lower middle order to see them through. The hosts, still smarting from their tour of England, are desperate for redemption on home soil, and this run chase will test both their resolve and batting depth.
For South Africa, this was a well-rounded performance—measured batting up top, recovery in the middle, acceleration at the end, and disciplined bowling to defend what initially seemed like a par total. With two more ODIs and three T20Is left in the series, this opening win gives the Proteas the upper hand and a morale boost, while the Windies will look to regroup quickly and turn the tide in front of their home fans.
This series is shaping up to be a thrilling contest of grit, skill, and redemption.
Read More:
0 Comments