CAPE TOWN, South Africa, CMC – West Indies failed to secure a mere two runs needed for victory off the last over and settled for a tense tie in yesterday’s last Women’s One Day International (ODI) that allowed South Africa to claim a 2-1 series win.
Sent to bat at the Newlands ground, South Africa were limited to 180 for six off their 50 overs but then contained the West Indies, who finished on the same total, 180 for eight of their 50 overs.
After winning the first match last Friday by five wickets, West Indies suffered seven-wicket losses in back-to-back matches and needed a win to square the four-match series.
The Caribbean girls’ run chase, while not compelling, was steady enough to place themselves within reach of victory, but Anisa Mohammed and rookie Britney Cooper were unable to convert after starting the final over on 179 for seven chasing 181 for a series-levelling victory.
Medium pacer Alicia Smith conceded only one run – from the second ball — off that last over and bowled Mohammed for a “duck” with a yorker with the last ball of the match, triggering rousing celebration for the home side.
The West Indies suffered a setback when they lost prolific opener Stafanie Taylor for nine at 31 for one.
Taylor, who scored a maiden ODI century in the first match, was caught by Fritz – at backward points – cutting at medium pacer Marcia Letsoalo but still picked up the Player of the series award.
The experienced Pamela Lavine (30) and Cordel Jack (24) added a steady 57 for the third wicket after Deandra Dottin had fallen for a rapid 34 off 29 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Captain Merissa Aguilleira watchfully steered her side toward victory with a top-score of 36, off 78 balls, before she was run out at 167 for seven in the 46th over and Mohammed and Cooper were unable to get the remaining 14 runs for victory.
Smith recorded fine figures of two for 13 off six overs and Fritz claimed two for 19 off six.
Earlier, the Caribbean bowlers — led by splendid bowling from all-rounder Taylor, Stacy-Ann King and the 17-year-old rookie Shemaine Campbelle – did a good job of stifling the South African batting.
The home side were unable to flourish and although young batting star and Player of the match Mignon du Preez stroked an unbeaten 70, the South Africans were restricted to a sub-200 total that paved the way for a possible West Indies win.
The 20-year-old Mignon, batting at No.4, struck four boundaries in a 110-ball knock that stabilized the innings after the top order was shaken when Taylor and Campbelle combined to reduce South Africa to 50 for three in the 16th over after a promising start.
Kirstie Thomson (21) and Trisha Chetty (12) posted an opening stand of 34 before the sharp decline.
Fritz (31) linked up with du Preez for an innings best stand of 55 for the fourth wicket before King had Fritz caught at cover by Jack.
Smith (20) also added a stubborn 53-run stand for the fifth wicket with du Preez that boosted the South Africans’ late innings fight.
Off-spinner Taylor finished with the remarkable figures of one for 16 off 10 overs for a choking economy rate of 1.60.
Campbell was also solid, picking up two for 22 off her 10 overs and King claimed two for 26 off seven.
