By Victoria Hamilton 
A clinical performance from Hayley Matthews saw the West Indies Women level their T20I series against South Africa with a composed six-wicket victory at the Three Ws Oval in Barbados on Sunday, 22 June.
With the Proteas posting a modest 113/6, the West Indies chased down the total with four balls to spare, thanks largely to an unbeaten 63 from Matthews, who showcased all her experience and skill under pressure.
South Africa started promisingly, reaching 30/0 inside four overs, but faltered as wickets fell at regular intervals. Laura Wolvaardt (16) and Tazmin Brits (14) couldn’t convert starts, and the middle order struggled to find fluency.
Afy Fletcher (2/13) and Karishma Ramharack (2/25) kept the run rate under control, striking at crucial moments. A late partnership between Karabo Meso and Annerie Dercksen, worth 34 runs, lifted South Africa to a competitive but below-par score of 113.
In reply, the West Indies started strong through Qiana Joseph (17) and Matthews, with the openers adding 41 for the first wicket. The Proteas briefly threatened a comeback with wickets from Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, and a brilliant spell from Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/17), who was once again the standout bowler.
Despite the mini-collapse, Matthews stood firm. The Windies captain timed her acceleration perfectly, bringing up her 18th T20I half-century, and forming a steady partnership with Jannilea Glasgow (15*) that ensured no further hiccups.
Glasgow sealed the match with a boundary in the final over, giving the hosts a vital win to tie the series 1-1.
With the series on the line, all eyes now shift to the decider on Monday, 23 June, again at the Three Ws Oval, promising another thrilling chapter in this tightly contested series.
As the Proteas aim to bounce back and the Windies look to carry momentum forward, fans can expect a fitting finale to a competitive T20 series.
Tim Douglas 
webdesk