Can West Indies Bounce Back in Their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Clash?
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off in style, and all eyes are on the thrilling encounter between South Africa Women (SAW) and West Indies Women (WIW) on October 4. While the tournament promises fierce competition, one can’t overlook South Africa’s upper hand in their recent face-offs against the Caribbean side.
South Africa has won three in their last five encounters, West Indies just one, and the other match was washed out. But what is it about the Proteas that’s had West Indies struggling to find their groove? Let’s dig into the numbers and explore three reasons behind South Africa’s recent dominance over the West Indies.
It’s no secret that cricket games are won with balanced sides, and South Africa’s bowling unit has been a nightmare for West Indies. From the pace of Masabata Klaas to the left-arm spin of Nonkululeko Mlaba, the Proteas have consistently choked the Windies’ batters. Take the January 21, 2023 match during the SA T20I Tri-Series: Klaas ripped through the West Indies lineup, claiming 4 wickets for just 21 runs. West Indies, chasing 141, crumbled to a mere 97 for 8, with Klaas picking up crucial wickets, including that of WI captain Hayley Matthews.
Masabata Klass celebrating one of her wickets during a game against West Indies Women // Picture Courtesy – Cricket Australia
With Klaas’s devastating pace and Mlaba’s ability to strangle with tight, economical overs (Mlaba went for just 1 for 10 in the same game), the Windies haven’t cracked the code. The numbers speak for themselves—South Africa’s ability to restrict West Indies to totals under 100 in their last two matches in January 2023 was a testament to this ruthless attack. It’s not just wickets; it’s the stranglehold these bowlers maintain.
As they say, cricket is a game of partnerships, and South Africa’s openers have built some serious ones. When the pair of Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt come to the crease, you can expect them to anchor the innings. In the January 25, 2023 match, West Indies set a paltry target of 98. But instead of taking it easy, Brits (50*) and Wolvaardt (42*) made light work of the chase, ensuring their side cruised to a 10-wicket win.
It’s not just the runs but the way these two go about it. Brits brings power, often smashing boundaries efficiently, while Wolvaardt provides stability, playing those classical cover drives and taking the team home. This combination of flair and finesse has kept West Indies bowlers on the back foot.
West Indies have struggled to put up competitive totals in their recent encounters, and the root of the problem lies in their top order. Take their collapse on January 25, 2023: Britney Cooper, Shemaine Campbelle, and Rashada Williams managed a collective 17 runs from 55 balls in a shocking display of hesitation. With the powerplay crawling to 6 for 2, West Indies never found momentum, ultimately limping to 97 for 6.
Even when they’ve made changes, results haven’t followed. The absence of key players like Stafanie Taylor due to injury only compounded their problems. WI’s inability to find a steady opening pair has been a constant headache, as they’ve experimented with everyone from Cooper to Aaliyah Alleyne without success. By the time experienced players like Matthews or Deandra Dottin enter, too much pressure is placed on them to recover lost ground.
South Africa’s bowlers know this, and they’ve capitalized on it repeatedly. Whether it’s Klaas picking up top-order wickets or spinners like Mlaba spinning a web, the Proteas have constantly preyed on West Indies’ lack of confidence in the powerplay.
