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Proteas Women deliver a perfect 10

Writer's picture: Cricket SACricket SA
Nonkululeko Mlaba took 4/29 for the Proteas Women to help them secure a resounding 10-wicket victory over the West Indies in their opening game of the T20 World Cup. Getty/ICC

Nonkululeko Mlaba, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits were instrumental as the Proteas Women secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over the West Indies in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Friday afternoon.

Mlaba recorded career-best figures of 4/29, helping restrict the West Indies to 118/6 in their 20 overs. Openers Wolvaardt (59* off 55 balls, 7x4) and Brits (57* off 52 balls, 6x4) then delivered an unbeaten 119-run partnership, giving last year’s finalists a winning start to the tournament.

After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off as Mlaba and Marizanne Kapp (2/14) made early inroads, claiming two key wickets during the PowerPlay. These included the dismissal of West Indies captain Hayley Matthews (10) and Qiana Joseph (4), leaving their opponents on 31/2.

Shortly after the PowerPlay, Kapp took her second wicket, removing the dangerous Deandra Dottin (13). Stefanie Taylor (44*) and Shemaine Campbelle (17) then steadied the innings for the West Indies, adding 30 runs for the fourth wicket.

Following the drinks break, Mlaba returned to the attack and struck immediately, claiming wickets in consecutive deliveries in the 12th over, dismissing Campbelle and Chinelle Henry (0).

Mlaba went on to take her fourth wicket of the match when Brits pulled off a brilliant low catch to dismiss Aaliyah Alleyne (7), leaving the West Indies at 83/6 in the 16th over.

Taylor and Zaida James (15) provided some resistance towards the end, contributing 35 runs to boost the West Indies' total to 118/6 in their allotted overs.

In response, Wolvaardt and Brits made an assured start, guiding South Africa to 43/0 after six overs and raising their 50-run opening stand shortly thereafter.

The pair continued to bat confidently, taking South Africa past the 100-run mark. Wolvaardt brought up her 12th career T20I fifty in the 15th over, followed closely by Brits, who also reached her 12th career half-century.

Together, they completed the chase with ease, reaching the 119-run target with 13 balls to spare, securing two valuable points in Group B.

The Proteas Women will next face England on Monday at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, with the match scheduled to begin at 6pm local time (4pm SAST).


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