As the South Africa women’s team, led by the calm and composed Laura Wolvaardt, embarks on a Caribbean challenge against the dynamic West Indies, captained by the ever-charismatic Hayley Matthews, fantasy cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat. With a series packed with talent, bold leadership, and all-round prowess, selecting the right Fantasy 11 for the opening ODI at the historic Three Ws Oval, Cave Hill, Barbados, is a little tricky.
Fantasy Picks for West Indies vs South Africa, 1st ODI:
Wicketkeeper:
Shemaine Campbelle
Campbelle is the glue in the West Indies middle order and a safe pair of hands behind the stumps. Her ability to adapt to the match situation, whether it’s rebuilding after a collapse or accelerating in the death overs, makes her a fantasy must-have. As a wicketkeeper, she also brings the added bonus of catches and stumpings, which can be crucial in tight fantasy contests. She has scored 1,853 runs at an average of 19.92 in 113 innings, including four half-centuries and a century to her name in the ODI format for the West Indies to date.
Batters:
Laura Wolvaardt
Wolvaardt’s batting is a study in grace under pressure. As South Africa’s captain, she leads from the front, often laying the foundation for big totals. Her classical technique and calm demeanour make her a consistent run-getter, and her leadership role means she’s always in the thick of the action. She has scored 4,389 runs at a strike rate of 71.72 and a sensational average of 49.31 in 103 innings, including 34 half-centuries and 8 centuries to her name, with a career-best of 184* against Sri Lanka in the format for her side.
Sune Luus
Luus is the ultimate team player, adaptable, composed, and versatile. While her primary role is with the bat, her evolution from a leg-spinner into an off-spinner adds another string to her bow. She’s adept at building partnerships and can chip in with crucial overs, making her a dual threat in fantasy cricket. She has scored 2,337 runs at a strike rate of 65.09 and an average of 24.86 in 110 innings, including 14 half-centuries and a century to her name with the bat for South Africa in the ODI format. She has also picked up 116 wickets at an average of 22.17 and an economy of 4.50 in 93 innings, including 3 four-wicket hauls and 5 five-wicket hauls with the ball for her side, which signifies her role as a genuine game-changer with the ball as well as with the bat for South Africa.
All-rounders:
Hayley Matthews
Matthews is the engine room of this West Indies side. A dynamic opener, she can take the game away with her aggressive strokeplay. Her off spin is equally effective, often breaking partnerships or stemming the run flow. As captain, Matthews is involved in every key moment, maximising her fantasy value. Her all-round prowess and leadership make her the standout captaincy pick. She has scored 2,970 runs at a strike rate of 75.90 and an impressive average of 33.75 in 93 innings, seven half-centuries and 9 centuries to her name in the ODI format for the West Indies. She has also picked up 121 wickets at an average of 23.75 and an economy of 4.10 in 90 innings with the ball, including 5 four-wicket hauls for her side in the ODI format to date. She missed the last couple of ODIs against England due to a shoulder injury; however, she has recovered and will be back in action leading her side against the Proteas.
Marizanne Kapp
Kapp is the definition of a big-match player. Her ability to swing the new ball and bowl at the death makes her a constant threat with the ball. With the bat, she’s a proven finisher, however, she has been batting in the middle-order in recent times. She is capable of turning games with her powerful hitting. Her experience and composure under pressure make her a fantasy staple. She has scored 3,116 runs at a strike rate of 76 and an impressive average of 33.86 in 128 innings, including 15 half-centuries and three centuries to her name with the bat for South Africa in the format. She has also picked up 164 wickets at an average of 24.62 and an economy of 3.81 in 139 innings, including 4 four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul with the ball for South Africa in the ODI format.
Aaliyah Alleyne
Alleyne brings youthful exuberance and athleticism to the West Indies lineup. Her medium pace can be deceptive, and she’s known to pick up wickets at crucial junctures. With the bat, she’s a handy contributor, especially in the latter stages of an innings. She has scored 475 runs at a strike rate of 65.78 and an average of 15.83 in 38 innings with the bat for her side in the format. She has also picked up 41 wickets at an average of 26.75 and an economy of 5.43 in 39 innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for the West Indies in the ODI format.
Chenille Henry
After missing the away series against England, she is back into the West Indian squad for their upcoming white-ball series against South Africa. Henry is a genuine all-rounder who thrives under pressure. Her ability to swing the ball and bowl tight spells makes her a valuable asset, while her aggressive batting can provide a late-innings flourish. She’s also known for her electric fielding, which can add vital points. She has scored 730 runs at a strike rate of 83.71 and an average of 17.38 in 47 innings, including four half-centuries to her name in the ODI format. She has also picked up 33 wickets at an average of 38.33 and an economy of 5.05 in 48 innings with the ball for the West Indies in the ODI format.
Chloe Tryon
Tryon is a game-changer, capable of clearing the ropes with ease and breaking partnerships with her left-arm spin. Her fearless approach with the bat can turn matches on their head, and her bowling provides South Africa with crucial variety. She’s a high-impact player, perfect for fantasy cricket. She has scored 2,065 runs at a strike rate of 101.42 and an average of 26.81 in 90 innings, including 13 half-centuries with the bat for her side. She has also picked up 53 wickets at an average of 39.71 and an economy of 4.35 in 80 innings, including one five-wicket haul with the ball for South Africa in the ODI format.
Annerie Decksen
Dercksen is a rising star in the South African setup. Her all-round skills have blossomed, and she’s shown a knack for delivering in crunch situations. Whether it’s bowling key overs or chipping in with vital runs, Dercksen’s versatility makes her an excellent vice-captaincy choice, she’s always in the game and hungry to make an impact. She has scored 346 runs at a strike rate of 98.57 and an outstanding average of 49.42, including a couple of half-centuries and a century to her name in 8 innings with the bat for South Africa in the ODI format. She has also picked up 8 wickets at an average of 28.75 and an economy of 6.60 in 8 innings with the ball for her side in the format.
Nadine de Klerk
De Klerk is the epitome of consistency. Her medium pace is disciplined and effective, often building pressure and picking up wickets. With the bat, she’s a reliable contributor in the middle order, capable of steadying the ship or accelerating as needed. Her all-round reliability is gold for fantasy teams. She has scored 660 runs at a strike rate of 76.74 and an average of 22.75 in 38 innings, including a couple of half-centuries for her side in the format. She has also picked up 53 wickets at an average of 28.11 and an economy of 4.89 in 44 innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for South Africa in the ODI format, signifying her all-round impact and her potential as a genuine match-winner for the Proteas.
Bowlers:
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Mlaba’s left-arm orthodox spin brings control and subtlety to the South African attack. She’s adept at tying down batters and breaking partnerships, especially on pitches that offer a bit of turn. Her ability to bowl in the powerplay or middle overs makes her a valuable fantasy pick. She has picked up 29 wickets at an average of 42.65 and an economy of 4.94 in 31 innings with the ball for her side in the format, so far. She has also scored 48 runs in 16 innings with the bat for her side in the ODI format.
The 1st ODI at the Three Ws Oval promises a contest brimming with skill, strategy, and star power. Both teams are stacked with match-winners and emerging talents, making fantasy selection both exciting and challenging. By blending proven performers with high-upside all-rounders, our Fantasy 11 is built to maximise returns and keep you ahead of the curve. Keep an eye on the toss and make the changes accordingly.
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