South Africa’s incredible run to the final in 2023 came after a shock defeat by Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, but in Dubai those nerves were nowhere to be seen as they thoroughly outplayed their opponents.
West Indies rely so heavily on the world-class Matthews, and even the returning Deandra Dottin and a contribution from the hugely experienced Taylor could not ease that pressure.
Kapp and her team roared with delight as Matthews was caught behind in the third over, indicative of the wicket’s significance. From there, South Africa hit the accelerator and never looked back.
With Kapp adding Dottin’s wicket to her tally for just 13, West Indies’ inexperienced middle order wilted under Mlaba’s relentless accuracy which forced Taylor to drop anchor.
Opener Qiana Joseph struggled for four from 14 balls, heaping the pressure on Matthews even further before she was bowled to become Mlaba’s first victim. Taylor led a brief recovery with Shemaine Campbelle before the latter was bowled for 17, and Chinelle Henry was caught behind from the next ball to leave West Indies reeling.
The middle order collapse left Taylor too much to do, and South Africa made the chase look supremely easy, something nobody has managed during the early stages of this tournament as teams adapt to the slow, humid conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
Wolvaardt’s knock was full of her trademark class, driving crisply through the covers at will, while Brits displayed her power with bludgeoning blows down the ground.
