One day away is the final showdown, the series deciding third Women’s One Day International (ODI) between West Indies and South Africa. The game is scheduled for 17th of June 2025, at the Three Ws Oval in Bridgetown, starting 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In the first ODI, South Africa posted 232 after opting to bat first. Led by Tazmin Brits’ fluent half-century, becoming the second-fastest South African woman to reach 1000 ODI runs, she and skipper Laura Wolvaardt added 73 for the first wicket before West Indies spinners Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher, supported by two runouts, triggered a collapse to 104/5. Nadine de Klerk’s quickfire 42 lifted them to a competitive total. In reply, West Indies started strong with an 88-run opening stand between Qiana Joseph (60) and Hayley Matthews (40). Despite a middle-order wobble, rain reduced the target to 180 from 34 overs, and Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 30 guided West Indies to a six-wicket win.
However, the tide turned when South Africa bounced back strongly to level the three-match ODI series 1–1 with a commanding 40-run win over West Indies in the second ODI. After being put into bat, South Africa posted a formidable 309/9. Sune Luus’ composed 76, her first ODI fifty in nearly 20 winnings, and a fluent 55 from Nondumiso Shangase, laid the foundation. The lower order fired with Annerie Dercksen (37 off 24) and Chloe Tryon (28 off 19) adding late impetus. In response, West Indies looked competitive with captain Hayley Matthews scoring 56 and Shemaine Campbelle adding 53, but they faltered as left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba produced her ODI-best 4/33, triggering a middle-order collapse. Despite a fighting effort, West Indies were bowled out for 269, falling short of the target.
South Africa holds a strong record against the West Indies in Women’s ODI cricket, with 17 wins compared to the West Indies’ 11 in 35 matches. Before this series, the West Indies had not defeated South Africa since 2018. However, their victory in the series opener set up a thrilling contest, and South Africa’s equalizing win in the second ODI adds further anticipation ahead of the decisive third match.
Squads:
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (WK), Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shakiba Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso (WK), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Chloe Tryon
Players to watch out:
Sune Luus
The top-order-batter has been a dependable run-scorer for South Africa. Luus played a pivotal role in South Africa’s batting resurgence, smashing a fluent 76 off just 65 deliveries, in the second ODI. Her knock, filled with smart rotation and timely boundaries, marked her first ODI fifty since September 2023. She has played 131 WODIs amassing 2445 runs with the highest score of 107* and picking up 116 wickets with best bowling figures of 6/36.
Nondumiso Shangase
Promoted up the order, Nondumiso Shangase made the most of her opportunity by scoring a composed 55 off 48 balls. Her innings provided early momentum for South Africa, showcasing her ability to adapt to a top-order role while keeping the scoreboard ticking with aggressive intent. Featuring in limited 15 WODIs, she has accumulated 149 runs and picked up 8 wickets.
Hayley Matthews
Leading from the front, skipper Hayley Matthews gave West Indies a promising start in their chase with a brisk 56 off 58 balls in the 2nd ODI, after a fluent 40 in the first. Her fluent strokeplay and attacking approach kept the required run rate in control early on, but her dismissal proved to be a major turning point in the match. In 98 WODIs, she has accumulated 3066 runs with her highest score of 141; equally effective with the ball, she has picked up 124 wickets with best bowling returns of 4/15.
Afy Fletcher
Veteran spinner Afy Fletcher stood out with the ball for West Indies, picking up 4 wickets for 64 runs in her 10-over spell, during the 2nd ODI, her 2nd four-fer just three innings apart. Though she was slightly expensive, her knack for breaking partnerships kept West Indies in the hunt during crucial phases. She has picked up 108 wickets in 88 WODIs, with a best of 4/20, and has also been handy with the bat on a few occasions.
Pitch:
The surface at the Three Ws Oval remains a batter-friendly track with true bounce and consistent pace. Spinners find assistance, especially during the middle-overs when the ball gets older. With an average first-innings score of around 232, captains winning the toss generally opt to bowl first, considering the conditions suit chasing teams.
Weather:
The conditions in Bridgetown are expected to be partly cloudy with a comfortable temperature of 27°C and humidity at 53%. A light breeze is likely to blow across the ground, but with no significant rainfall predicted, it’s set to be a good day for cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Marizanne Kapp, Zaida James
Match details:
Date – June 17, 2025
Time – 07:30 PM IST
Venue – Three Ws Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Live Streaming – FanCode app and website
