By Victoria Hamilton 
The West Indies Women claimed a hard-fought 2-1 series victory over South Africa in the final T20I at the Three Ws Oval, thanks to yet another inspirational display from Hayley Matthews, who capped off the tour as Player of the Series.
Chasing a competitive 148-run target, the Windies skipper led from the front, hammering 65 off 50 balls, including nine boundaries and a six, as her side wrapped up a six-wicket win with nine balls to spare.
Earlier, South Africa’s Miané Smit provided the highlight for the visitors, registering her maiden T20I half-century, an unbeaten 59 from 38 balls, to lift the Proteas Women to 147/6 in their 20 overs.
South Africa, having opted to bat first, started positively with Tazmin Brits (20) and Suné Luus (13) setting the tone. The team reached 40/1 at the end of the powerplay, but the West Indies bowlers quickly asserted control.
Karishma Ramharack (2/18) and Afy Fletcher (2/28) made critical breakthroughs, removing Brits, Luus, and the ever-dangerous Marizanne Kapp cheaply. Matthews chipped in with the wicket of Laura Wolvaardt, tightening the screws on the visiting side.
Amidst the collapse, 19-year-old Smit showed remarkable composure, building a critical partnership with Chloé Tryon and ensuring South Africa finished on a competitive note.
In the chase, early blows from Kapp (2/27) and Ayabonga Khaka (1/22) put the Windies under pressure at 32/2, but Matthews once again rose to the occasion. Teaming up with Shemaine Campbelle (42), the captain stitched together a match-defining 82-run stand.
Despite losing Matthews in the 17th over, the West Indies had built a strong platform. Campbelle and Chinelle Henry (20*) added finishing touches, with Henry smashing a six and four to close the contest emphatically.
The West Indies’ series win comes as a significant confidence boost ahead of a busy calendar, while South Africa will take heart from Smit’s emergence as a bright prospect.
The Proteas will now turn their attention toward preparations for the upcoming global tournaments, while the Caribbean side continues to grow under the leadership of their prolific skipper.
Tim Douglas 
webdesk