South Africa thump West Indies to script triumphant Women’s T20 World Cup start

DUBAI: Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits scored unbeaten half-centuries to steer South Africa to a thumping ten-wicket victory over West Indies in the third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 here on Friday.

Chasing a modest 119-run target, South Africa comfortably achieved the total in 17.5 overs to kick off their Women’s T20 World Cup with a crushing win.

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a dominant 59 from 55 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Meanwhile, Tazmin Brits played a 57-run knock from 52 balls, which included six boundaries.

West Indies got off to a dismal start after opting to bat as they slipped to 18-2 inside five overs.

Stafanie Taylor held on to one end after the fall of the first wicket, however, she could not find a reliable partner.

Deandra Dottin showed some spark with her 13-run knock which featured three boundaries but Marizanne Kapp ended her brief stay at the crease.

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West Indies captain Shemaine Campbelle joined Taylor and they stitched a 30-run stand for the fourth wicket.

However, Nonkululeko Mlaba halted the West Indies’ progress, castling Campbelle (17) followed by Chinelle Henry’s wicket on the next delivery.

Taylor was joined by Aaliyah Alleyne (7) for a 20-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Mlaba removed the latter.

Zaida James then joined Taylor and together they helped West Indies post 118-6 in their allocated 20 overs with an unbeaten partnership of 35 runs.

Taylor top-scored for West Indies with an unbeaten 44 off 41 which included two boundaries and one six, while James scored 15 off 13 with two fours.

For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba took four wickets, while Marizanne Kapp bagged two.

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