In a lopsided affair, West Indies went down to South Africa by 10 wickets as they failed to defend 118 runs on Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthews, in a media interaction, after the match touched up her team’s performance against South Africa, conditions in Dubai, and much more.
Matthews accepted that it was a pretty disappointing game for them. She said, “Firstly we did not put enough runs on the board and then we would have liked to take a few wickets and at least put up more fight in the second innings. But yes, with a game in two days’ time we are going to have to get things back together quickly and pick up the pieces and go again.”
It was quite unexpected to see West Indies go down in that manner without putting up a strong fight. “It is pretty hot in Dubai. Probably the hottest place where I have ever played cricket. But we have been here for about two weeks now thankfully and have been able to acclimatise as much as we possibly can. Thankfully we have got rest of our games as night ones so hope not much (hot) as much then,” expressed Matthews.
While the conditions were tough, the pitch was quite as expected. “We came down here expecting pretty good wickets. We camped here quite a bit before we went to Pakistan in April. We knew what the ICC Academy grounds are like and those are pretty decent wickets. So that’s what we were expecting, and it wasn’t a bad wicket today. South Africa showed how to bat on that wicket and even for us the way Stafanie (Taylor) took charge of the game as well. The conditions didn’t surprise us too much. We just didn’t adapt well,” Matthews stated.
Matthews was all praises for Taylor as she expressed, “Stafanie Taylor is a huge part of West Indies cricket. She has been playing for the West Indies since 2008 and her importance has never gone down. Probably it has just gone up and up as the years have gone by.”
West Indies will face Scotland in their next match on Sunday and would look to press the win button against the T20 World Cup debutants. However, there are a few injury concerns looming over the West Indies’ camp after their first encounter. Matthews shared, “Zaida (James) for sure, I know, it was pretty much just a knock on her face. I think the seam might have hit her on her face, so she was in a bit of discomfort and (had) a bit of swelling around her jaw. But she’s a tough girl, so hopefully that’s just one of those knocks that you get on the field, and she hopefully will be able to be back up for the next match.”
Besides, Stafanie Taylor, who top scored for West Indies with an unbeaten 44, looked in some discomfort during her innings. She had some trouble with her knee.
Summary:
West Indies vs South Africa, Match 3, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
South Africa registered their first-ever win against West Indies in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups as they secured a clinical 10-wicket victory, chasing 119, on Friday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
West Indies were bowled out for 118, courtesy of a splendid bowling effort from South Africa. The wily left arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba spun a web around the Caribbeans as she snapped her T20I career best figures of 4/29. Besides, Marizanne Kapp wreaked havoc with the ball as she sent the West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin packing. For the 2016 T20 World Cup champions, apart from Stafanie Taylor (44 not out from 41 balls), none of the other batters looked in shape.
After having bowled out West Indies cheaply, it was time for the South African batters to come to the party. The opening pair of captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits made light work of the run chase as they completed the formalities in 17.5 overs. Both the batters registered their half centuries in style and guided their team to a comprehensive win. Unlike their counterparts, the West Indian bowlers had a forgettable outing as they had no answers to the questions posed by the South African opening duo.
With this emphatic win, the finalists of the previous edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup have made a strong statement and look good to stand a chance to qualify for the semi-finals this year too.
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
