West Indies clinched the first ODI against South Africa by four wickets using the DLS method in Barbados, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing South Africa’s total of 232 for 9, the hosts reached a revised target of 180 from 34 overs after a rain delay, finishing on 180 for 6 with two overs remaining
West Indies Chase Anchored by Joseph and Taylor
Opener Qiana Joseph spearheaded the successful chase with a fluent 60 runs off 58 deliveries, including ten boundaries and a six. She shared a strong opening partnership of 88 with captain Hayley Matthews, who contributed a brisk 40 from 44 balls before becoming the first of Ayanda Hlubi’s three wickets (3-50). Despite losing three wickets for just 21 runs after Joseph’s dismissal, reducing them to 127 for 4, veteran Stafanie Taylor steadied the innings. Her unbeaten 30 off 34 balls guided West Indies comfortably past the adjusted target after the rain interruption.
South Africa Post Competitive but Insufficient Total
Earlier, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, South Africa built a solid foundation through Tazmin Brits. Her 57-run knock not only anchored the top order but also saw her become the second-fastest South African woman to reach 1000 ODI runs. Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt put on 73 for the first wicket. However, the innings lost significant momentum as spinners Karishma Ramharack (2-44) and Afy Fletcher combined with two run-outs to trigger a collapse from 73 without loss to 104 for 5.
Sune Luus (32) and Sinalo Jafta offered some resistance with a 40-run stand, broken by Matthews. Another mini-collapse followed, seeing three wickets fall for 23 runs. A late flourish came from Nadine de Klerk, whose aggressive 42 off 38 balls from number eight lifted South Africa to what appeared a challenging 232 for 9. Aaliyah Alleyne also took two wickets (2-35) for the hosts.
Revised Target Proves Manageable
Despite de Klerk’s efforts, the rain intervention and subsequent DLS recalibration significantly reduced the required run rate for West Indies. Taylor’s calm presence ensured they secured victory comfortably under the revised conditions, overcoming Hlubi’s impactful bowling performance.