Windies Women lose to South Africa by 35 runs despite rookie Rashada Williams' 42

Written by Leighton Levy. Posted in Windies. | 17 September 2021 | 1602 Views
Tags: Cricket, Antigua, Dane Van Niekerk, Mignon Du Preez, Odi, Rashada Williams, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, South Africa, West Indies Women

Opening batter Rashada Williams unveiled a wide range of shots in a determined knock for West Indies Women but the home side could not stave off defeat against South Africa Women on Thursday.

In just her fourth international, the 24-year-old Williams once again showed enterprise with an impressive innings of 42, but the home team were limited to 150-9 off their 50 overs chasing 185-6 made by South Africa, who were asked to take first strike

This result means the visitors have a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. The final match will be played on Sunday at the same venue.

West Indies Women were in early trouble at 19-2 in the seventh over but made a recovery through Williams who added 29 for the third wicket with Deandra Dottin (22). Williams then helped add 22 for the fourth wicket with Hayley Matthews (14) and 41 for the fifth with left-hander Kycia Knight (15).

Williams set up anchor with four fours off 90 balls and when she was run out in the 39th over, West Indies Women were 115-5 and facing a required run rate of nearly seven runs per over, which proved to be too much in the end.

South Africa captain and leg-spinner Dane van Niekerk finished with 3-23 to be named the CG Insurance Player-of-the-Match.

Earlier in the day, sent in after an early morning shower, South Africa Women stumbled initially but recovered to reach their eventual target thanks to an unbeaten 65 with five fours from Mignon du Preez, 30 from Tazmin Brits and 28 from keeper Sinalo Jafta.

They lost the in-form Laura Wolvaardt for one with as many on the board in the second over but rebuilt through Brits who put on 35 for the second wicket with Lara Goodall (8) and a further 21 for the third wicket with skipper van Niekerk (20).

Brits, who struck four fours, perished in the 20th over with South Africa Women on 57-3 but the experienced du Preez anchored three key stands to frustrate the home side.

Firstly, she posted 31 for the fourth wicket with van Niekerk, then added 30 for the fifth with Chloe Tryon (12) before putting on 63 for the seventh with Jafta.

West Indies bowlers again did a good job with Captain Anisa Mohammed taking two wickets, while seamer Cherry-Ann Fraser was steady, taking her first wicket on debut.