Nonkululeko Mlaba headlines South Africa win in T20 World Cup

South Africa got the better of West Indies in their first Group B fixture of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday (October 4) in Sharjah. Nonkululeko Mlaba's productive bowling display guided the previous edition's hosts to a convincing victory. 

Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and sent the Windies out to bat first. The champions of the 2016 edition were off to a shaky start to the first innings. Skipper Hayley Matthews was the first batter to depart as the experienced Marizanne Kapp made her catch an outside edge, leading the ball to Sinalo Jafta's gloves. Left-arm spinner Mlaba added to the misery of West Indies, dismissing the struggling Qiana Joseph for four runs. The Windies only managed to put 31 runs on the board in the power play. 

Deandra Dottin, who came back from retirement, was removed from the crease for 13 runs by Kapp. Veteran Stafanie Taylor looked calm from the off and tried building the innings for West Indies alongside Shemaine Campbelle. However, they were unable to score at a faster rate, and Campbelle had to leave the pitch at the hands of Mlaba who got her second prey. Her dismissal was followed by Chinelle Henry going out for a golden duck. 

West Indies were in huge trouble, with Taylor being the only batter sticking to the crease. Mlaba picked her fourth wicket after getting rid of Aaliyah Alleyne and exposing the Windies' tail. With only the final overs remaining, Taylor tried shifting gears, but couldn't do much, thanks to Kapp's disciplined line and length. Youngster Zaida James made a decent cameo on her T20 World Cup debut with 15 runs off 13 balls. The Windies ended their innings with 118 runs at the loss of six wickets. 

On the contrary, the South African openers looked very comfortable and were off to a flyer. Wolvaardt had an answer to everyone in the West Indies bowling unit. Tazmin Brits also contributed efficiently, despite starting a little slower than her opening partner. The Proteas scored 43 runs in the power play, being in a much better situation than the Windies were. 

The opening pair was unfazed by the West Indies bowlers even after the first six overs. Both batters were calm and composed throughout, with Wolvaardt reaching the half-century mark, which was also her fourth consecutive fifty in the T20 World Cup. Brits followed her partners way as well, and South Africa reached the target with 13 balls to spare. 

Mlaba was awarded the Player of the Match for her commendable display with the ball. The Proteas will face England in their next group stage fixture in Sharjah on Monday (October 7), while West Indies will take on Scotland in Dubau on Sunday (October 6).

Brief scores: West Indies 118/6 in 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 44; Nonkululeko Mlaba 4/29, Marizanne Kapp 2/14) lost to South Africa 119/0 in 17.5 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 59*, Tazmin Brits 57*) by 10 wickets. POTM: Nonkululeko Mlaba