Tazmin Brits’ Dazzling Century Guides South Africa To A Series-clinching Win Over West Indies In The 3rd Women’s ODI

In a performance that echoed dominance across all departments, South Africa Women emphatically sealed the three-match ODI series against West Indies Women with a mammoth 166-run victory via the DLS method in the third and final ODI at the historic Three Ws Oval in Barbados. The Proteas, led by a blistering century from Tazmin Brits and a devastating spell from Masabata Klaas, outclassed their hosts in a one-sided affair that underlined their growing strength in global women’s cricket.

Brits and Wolvaardt: The Openers Who Lit Up the Oval

The day began with overcast skies and a delayed start, as South Africa were sent in to bat after losing the toss. What followed was a batting masterclass from the Proteas’ opening pair—Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt.

From the outset, the duo looked in sublime touch. While Wolvaardt anchored the innings with her trademark timing and placement, Brits brought the firepower. Together, they blunted the new ball and laid the foundation for what would become one of South Africa’s most commanding ODI batting displays on West Indies soil.

Tazmin Brits: 101 off 91 – Controlled Aggression at its Best

Brits’ century was a perfect blend of power and precision. She pierced the infield with ease, lofted the spinners with elegance, and showed no mercy to any width or short deliveries. Her 101 came off just 91 balls, laced with 8 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, each of which punctuated her intent to dominate.

This was not just a milestone for Brits but a statement to selectors and fans alike. Having often played second fiddle to the more consistent Wolvaardt, Brits stepped into the spotlight in style.

Wolvaardt’s 75: The Silken Touch

At the other end, Wolvaardt continued her golden run. Her 75 off 76 balls was a knock of patience and poise. She rotated strike effectively, ensured Brits got more of the strike when on song, and punished loose deliveries with grace. The 150-plus opening stand between the two wasn’t just substantial in numbers—it completely deflated the West Indies’ bowling energy in the first half of the match.

Middle-Order Blips and Kapp’s Class

Once the opening stand was broken at 157, there was a brief stutter. Nondumiso Shangase and Sune Luus fell cheaply, and the West Indies sniffed a chance to crawl back into the contest. However, Marizanne Kapp, South Africa’s premier all-rounder, ensured that the scoring rate didn’t dip significantly.

Kapp’s composed 34 off 42 balls was crucial in stabilizing the innings post the initial onslaught. Later, Chloe Tryon’s short yet impactful 10 off 6 helped South Africa inch close to the 280-run mark before rain intervened at 278/6 in 45.5 overs.

Fletcher Fights Lone Battle for the Windies

The only bright spot in West Indies’ bowling was Afy Fletcher. The leg-spinner bowled with heart and guile, ending with figures of 3/53 in her 10 overs, an impressive return given the onslaught from Brits and company. She varied her flight and pace smartly, eventually breaking the Brits-Wolvaardt juggernaut and later removing Luus and Tryon.

Hayley Matthews and Jahzara Claxton picked up one wicket apiece, but their spells lacked penetration. Most concerning for the hosts was the performance of Liam McCarthy, who was taken to the cleaners—leaking 81 runs in 8 overs without a single breakthrough.

Chasing Shadows: West Indies Collapse Early

Set a revised target of 288 in 45 overs under the DLS method, West Indies never found footing in their pursuit.

The innings began in disaster, with the Proteas bowlers striking hard and early. By the sixth over, the hosts were reeling at 11/4. The top order’s collapse under pressure was as much a testament to the excellent bowling as it was to the fragile West Indian temperament in high-pressure chases.

Klaas Thunder: 4 for 25 Destroys the Top Order

Masabata Klaas was unplayable in her opening spell. Bowling with precision and movement, she accounted for three of the top four and later returned to pick up a fourth wicket. Her figures of 4/25 in 6 overs broke the West Indies backbone and effectively ended the contest inside the powerplay.

Her variations and consistent length forced false strokes from batters still adjusting to the target’s enormity and the pressure of a crumbling scoreboard.

Resistance from Claxton and Alleyne

Despite the chaos around them, Jahzara Claxton and Aaliyah Alleyne showed grit. Claxton’s attacking 43 off 32 balls, including five boundaries, was a lone spark amidst the ruins. Her approach was fearless, taking on the spinners with sweep shots and lofted drives.

Alleyne’s 32 off 49 balls was less flamboyant but valuable in stemming the flow of wickets momentarily. Their 55-run stand for the sixth wicket was the only notable partnership of the innings.

However, once Claxton fell, the writing was on the wall. South Africa’s bowlers ensured there was no late drama.

Mlaba, Dercksen Close the Curtains

Young spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled with flight and discipline, returning 2/25. She tied the batters down, extracting turn and bounce from the worn surface. Her consistency built pressure that paid off for seamers at the other end.

Annerie Dercksen, used as a change bowler, was extremely economical and lethal. Her 2/1 in 2 overs included the wicket of Alleyne, ending any faint hopes of a West Indies revival.

Eventually, West Indies limped to 121/9 in 27.5 overs, unable to even complete their full quota of 45 overs.

Tazmin Brits Named Player of the Match

For her commanding century, Tazmin Brits was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match. Her innings was not only match-defining but also series-clinching.

“I knew I had to make this one count,” said Brits at the post-match presentation. “It’s been a long time coming. Batting with Laura (Wolvaardt) always gives me confidence, and today it just clicked. Our bowlers were outstanding too—credit to Klaas and the whole attack.”

Series Takeaways: Proteas Poised for Bigger Tests

With this win, South Africa not only claimed the series 2–1 but also showcased their squad depth and emerging firepower.

Positives for South Africa:

Tazmin Brits finding form ahead of major tournaments.
Wolvaardt’s consistent run, anchoring innings after innings.
Klaas and Mlaba’s form, indicating a potent bowling unit.
Young names like Dercksen and Shangase gaining valuable experience.

Concerns for West Indies:

Fragile top order remains a glaring issue.
Lack of bowling depth beyond Matthews and Fletcher.
Inability to build partnerships or fightback under scoreboard pressure.

What Lies Ahead

With the Women’s ODI World Cup just months away, South Africa will feel heartened by this dominant win. The squad appears balanced and increasingly fearless in both departments. Their ability to post big totals, adapt to weather interruptions, and defend with conviction bodes well.

For West Indies, it’s back to the drawing board. Questions loom over leadership stability, consistent top-order runs, and bowling support. Time is short, but solutions must be found if they are to compete against stronger oppositions on the world stage.

Final Scorecard Snapshot

South Africa Women: 278/6 in 45.5 overs (Brits 101, Wolvaardt 75; Fletcher 3/53)
West Indies Women (DLS target: 288): 121/9 in 27.5 overs (Claxton 43, Alleyne 32; Klaas 4/25, Mlaba 2/25)
Result: South Africa Women won by 166 runs (DLS)
Player of the Match: Tazmin Brits

On a day when weather threatened to steal the show, it was South Africa Women who dictated the script, delivering one of their most complete performances in recent memory. From Brits’ fireworks to Klaas’ precision, the Proteas sent a clear message—they’re not just participating in the women’s cricket revolution; they’re leading it.

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