Brits blasts Proteas Women to comprehensive win over West Indies

Tazmin Brits delivered a career-best performance to power the Proteas Women to a comprehensive 50-run victory over the West Indies in the opening T20 International (T20I) of their three-match series in Barbados on Friday. The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead heading into the second fixture.

Brits played a majestic, unbeaten knock of 98* off just 63 deliveries (9x4, 4x6). Her innings propelled South Africa to a commanding total of 183/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors then backed up that dominant batting display with a disciplined performance in the field, restricting the Windies to 133/6 despite a half-century from Jannillea Glasgow (53 off 44 balls; 5x4)

After being asked to set the score, the South Africans made a solid start at the crease despite losing two wickets in the PowerPlay. Laura Wolvaardt (9) and Marizanne Kapp (2) both fell cheaply, dismissed by Jahzara Claxton (3/39), who struck twice to leave the visitors on the back foot.

Brits held firm and found a reliable partner in Nadine de Klerk (21), who was promoted up the order. The pair steadied the innings and built a valuable 71-run partnership, guiding South Africa to 44/2 at the end of six overs. Brits continued to find the boundary regularly and soon brought up her 14th T20I half-century in assertive fashion.

As the Proteas edged closer to the 100-run mark, Claxton returned to break the stand, removing De Klerk for her third wicket of the day with the score on 96/3. Brits continued to anchor the innings, sharing useful contributions with debutant Miané Smit (9) and Chloé Tryon (16) to take the score to 158/5 by the time both were dismissed.

Despite the late loss of Annerie Dercksen (5), Brits continued to lead the way as she went on to record her highest T20I score and South Africa’s highest individual effort against West Indies to help the Proteas Women end on a commanding 183/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

With the ball, the visitors struck early. Kapp (2/27) removed Qiana Joseph (5), caught sharply by Tryon, before Realeanna Grimmond (4) was run out at the non-striker’s end in a smart piece of fielding by Masabata Klaas. The Windies were reeling at 10/2 by the third over.

Hayley Matthews (19) and Shemaine Campbelle (16) attempted to stabilise the innings with a 32-run partnership. But Kapp struck again, dismissing Matthews. That blow left the West Indies on 42/3 in the sixth over and set the tone for South Africa’s dominance.

South Africa’s bowlers continued to press home the advantage. Ayabonga Khaka (1/19) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/18) picked up quick wickets, Campbelle and Shabika Gajnabi (0), reducing the home side to 49/5 within eight overs.

With their backs against the wall, the West Indian produced a valiant display through Chinelle Henry (26) and Glasgow, with the all-round duo adding a half-century stand to propel the home side to 105/5 after 17 overs. Glasgow recorded her maiden fifty, before Henry eventually fell to De Klerk in the final over as South Africa restricted their opponents to 133/6 to seal a comprehensive 50-run triumph.

The second T20I gets underway on Sunday from 10am local time (4pm SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Proteas Women Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World LIons), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Fixtures

ODI Series

Wednesday - 4pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados (West Indies won by four wickets - DLS)

Saturday - 4pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados (South Africa won by 40 runs)

Tuesday - 4pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados (South Africa won by 166 runs - DLS)

T20I Series

Friday - 8pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados (South Africa won by 50 runs)

Sunday - 4pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados

Monday - 8pm SAST @ Three Ws Oval, Barbados