The Proteas Women have started their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in emphatic style with a ten wicket thrashing of the West Indies in Dubai.

The West Indies were restricted to 118/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Stafanie Taylor scoring 44 runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was brilliant with the ball as she took 4/29, while Marizanne Kapp set the tone with 2/14 in her 4-over spell.

Ayabonga Khaka also enjoyed a tidy and handy outing with the ball with the seamer recording figures of 0/12 in 3-overs.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Cricinfo

In reply, the captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 59 not out and Tazmin Brits scored 57 not out as South Africa chased the target in 17.5 overs. Wolvaardt struck seven fours in her unbeaten knock while the Klerksdorp-born Brits reached the boundary on six occasions.

The South African women’s Cricketer of the Year, Wolvaardt, said the conditions were far from easy despite the convincing victory.

“Not that easy – it was one of the harder knocks I have had physically, especially after fielding first,” said the young captain.

Tazmin Brits. Photo: Cricinfo

“I had to slip in quite a bit of spin after the first half because of the over-rate, but it was pretty excellent overall. The way Kappie started and then to have Mlaba take four wickets, it is amazing. Then to win with ten wickets in the shed, that is amazing as well.”

This win will give South Africa the world confidence ahead of their game against England in Sharjah on Monday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh