Just like in the ODIs, the T20I series between West Indies Women and South Africa Women has gone down to the wire. Both teams have traded blows with one win each and bringing the contest to a finely poised finale. South Africa may have taken the ODI series 2–1, but West Indies have bounced back with renewed intent in the T20 format. With the series now level at 1–1, the final showdown promises to deliver a high-octane clash.
The opening T20I of the series saw South Africa Women take firm control, with an unbeaten 98* from Tazmin Brits. Her knock single-handedly set up a defendable total, even as Jahzara Claxton tried to hold things together for the Windies with a spirited 3/39. However, the Caribbean side’s chase lacked cohesion. Skipper Hayley Matthews fell for 19, and despite a brave late effort by Jannillea Glasgow (53*), their efforts weren’t enough. Marizanne Kapp’s 2/27 ensured South Africa clinched the opener by 50 runs.
But the West Indies turned the tide and came out with renewed intent that saw South Africa struggle to find momentum in the second T20I. With Wolvaardt (16) and Brits (14) dismissed early, the Proteas crumbled under pressure. Spinners Afy Fletcher (2/13) and Karishma Ramharack (2/25) choked the middle-order brilliantly. Chasing 114, Hayley Matthews led from the front with a composed 63*, and Glasgow added a composed 15*. Despite a double-strike by Nonkululeko Mlaba, the Windies cruised to a six-wicket win, setting up a thrilling decider.
Now, with the T20I series locked at 1–1, the stage is set for a gripping decider. Both teams have landed a punch; now it’s about who finishes stronger.
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:
Hayley Matthews
Captain all-rounder, Matthews led from the front with an unbeaten 63* in the second T20I, guiding West Indies to a confident six-wicket victory. With the ball, she chipped in with 1/15, underlining her value in both departments. Across 111 WT20I appearances, she has scored 2910 runs and taken 112 wickets, making her one of the most dependable T20 performers in the women’s game.
Afy Fletcher
The experienced leg-spinner spun a web around the South African batters, finishing with impressive figures of 2/13 in 4 overs in the must-win 2nd T20I. In her 95 WT20I innings, Fletcher has claimed 94 wickets, including a career-best spell of 5/13. Her tight spells in the middle-overs could again prove crucial in the series decider.
Tazmin Brits
South Africa’s batting powerhouse, Brits was sensational in the first T20I, smashing a commanding 98* to set up a comfortable win. With 1699 runs in just 64 T20I innings, she has consistently delivered at the top, averaging 32.67 and accumulated runs at a strike rate of 106.98. Earlier in this series, she scored a fifty and a century in the ODI-leg.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
A vital cog in South Africa’s bowling unit, Mlaba impressed once again in the second T20I with figures of 2/17 in 4 overs, providing key breakthroughs. In her 60 WT20Is, she has scalped 53 wickets, with the best bowling figures of 4/29. Her control and consistency in the powerplay and middle overs make her a player to watch. Earlier in the ODI series, she claimed 7 wickets from 3 games.
Pitch:
The surface at this venue has proven to be good for batters once they navigate the initial phase. While pacers and spinners have found slightly more assistance, later in the game batters have generally enjoyed the conditions.
Weather:
The temperature hovers around 27°C with partly cloudy conditions. With 80% humidity, the forecasts predict no chance of precipitation ensuring a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hayley Matthews, Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Jannillea Glasgow, Marizanne Kapp, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Karishma Ramharack, Chloe Tryon, Qiana Joseph
Match Details:
Date – June 23, 2025
Time – 11:30 PM IST
Venue – Three Ws Oval, Cave Hill, Barbados
Broadcast details:
West Indies – ESPN Caribbean
South Africa – SuperSport
India – FanCode (App and website)
