The West Indies Women secured a six-wicket victory over the Proteas Women in the third T20I in Barbados on Monday to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
After Miané Smit struck an unbeaten maiden T20I half-century, scoring 59* off 38 balls (seven fours, one six), to help South Africa post 147-6, Player of the Series Hayley Matthews responded with a commanding knock of 65 from 50 deliveries (nine fours, one six) to steer her side to victory with nine balls to spare.
After winning the toss for the first time in the tour, South Africa chose to bat first. The new-look opening pair of Tazmin Brits (20) and Suné Luus (13) helped the visitors to 29-0 in the fourth over before Luus was caught off the bowling of Karishma Ramharack (2-18).
Despite the early wicket, the Proteas maintained momentum. Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt (28) carried the innings forward, helping the team finish the powerplay at 40-1. Their 28-run stand was eventually broken when Brits fell to Afy Fletcher (2-28) in the ninth over, leaving the Proteas Women at 57-2.
The breakthrough gave the West Indies a foothold, with Matthews (1-28) and Ramharack making further inroads by removing Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp (one), reducing the visitors to 81-4 after 13 overs.
With wickets tumbling around her, young prospect Smit took charge of the innings. First, she steadied the ship alongside Karabo Meso (five), then formed a crucial 44-run partnership with the experienced Chloé Tryon (nine). That stand helped her reach her maiden international half-century.
In reply, the West Indies faced early setbacks. Kapp (2-27) and Ayabonga Khaka (1-22) removed openers Qiana Joseph (six) and Realeanna Grimmond (five), leaving the hosts at 32-2 in the sixth over.
Skipper Matthews then found solid support in the experienced Shemaine Campbelle (42), with the pair teaming up for a pivotal 82-run partnership for the third wicket. Matthews brought up her 19th T20I half-century during the stand.
Although Matthews was eventually bowled by Luus (1-21), Campbelle and the explosive Chinelle Henry (20*) added another important 22 runs for the fourth wicket to take their side to the brink of victory before Campbelle was caught and bowled by Kapp.
As the in-batsman at the crease, Henry showcased her hitting prowess with a six and a four in the penultimate over, guiding the West Indies to a memorable series win.
Photo: @ProteasWomenCSA/X
