The air crackled with excitement. Fans cheered from the stands. Finally, the WI Women’s T20I series win is complete! The West Indies Women’s cricket team has etched their name in the history books, securing a thrilling 2-1 series victory over South Africa. This win showcases their immense talent and incredible fighting spirit. Indeed, it marks a significant moment for Caribbean cricket.
Kicking things off, the series began with a challenge. South Africa asserted their dominance in the first T20I. They posted a strong total of 183/6. Meanwhile, Tazmin Brits took control with a blazing 98 off just 63 deliveries, anchoring South Africa’s innings in style.
Notably, she showed incredible power hitting. West Indies, conversely, could only manage 133/6 in response, losing by 50 runs. Jannillea Glasgow did offer some resistance with 53 not out. This opening match set a high bar for the series.
However, the West Indies Women quickly regrouped. They showed true resilience. In the second T20I, Hayley Matthews stepped up as captain and delivered a superb performance. South Africa batted first once more, posting 113/6. Afy Fletcher spun a web around the batters, picking up 2 key wickets for just 13 runs in a stellar spell. This restricted the visitors significantly.
The West Indies pursued the target with poise; consequently, Hayley Matthews anchored the chase with a composed 63 off 56 balls, thereby guiding her team to a convincing four-ball-to-spare, six-wicket triumph. As a result, the series was locked at 1-1 and a thrilling decider beckoned.
Next, on June 23, 2025, the finale unfolded spectacularly. Once again, South Africa batted first and this time compiled a competitive 147/6, with Miané Smit’s vital 59* off 38 providing the backbone. Meanwhile, Karishma Ramharack answered with an economical 2/18 for the West Indies. Accordingly, the hosts required 148 to seal the series.
Hayley Matthews truly shone throughout the series. She was rightfully named Player of the Match in the decisive third T20I for her match-winning knock and valuable bowling. More impressively, she earned the Player of the Series award. It was a testament to her all-around dominance.
Throughout the three-match contest, Matthews excelled, ultimately topping the run charts with 147 runs and supplementing them with four wickets. Furthermore, Afy Fletcher spearheaded the bowling unit, claiming five scalps to finish as West Indies’ leading wicket-taker. Altogether, this comprehensive series victory underlines the depth and resilience of the West Indies Women’s squad.
