South Africa Women faced a surprising four-wicket loss to West Indies Women on Wednesday in the first ODI of the three-match series at Cave Hill, West Indies. The game was affected by rain. South Africa batted first and posted 232/9 in 50 overs. In reply, West Indies had a revised target of 180 runs in 34 overs. They chased it down comfortably in 32 overs with six wickets down.
West Indies Women are not part of the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, having failed to qualify. They entered the series after two heavy 3-0 defeats in both ODIs and T20Is against England. This win, therefore, came as a welcome relief and a morale boost for them.
For South Africa, the result was a big blow, especially given their recent form in ODIs. Before this series, they played in a tri-series with India and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. Although they won just one game — against the hosts — their batters had shown better intent, particularly against spin, in slow conditions across all four matches.
In the series opener here, South Africa failed to build big partnerships. Despite a strong opening stand of 73 runs in 15.5 overs, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
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Worrying Signs Ahead of the World Cup
Since January 1, 2024, under Laura Wolvaardt’s captaincy, South Africa have won only four ODIs while losing 11 matches out of 16 (one had no result). This is a concern as the World Cup draws closer. Skipper Wolvaardt herself is struggling. In her last four ODI innings, she has scored 43, 10, 33 and 27. She’s getting starts but failing to convert them into big scores.
Tazmin Brits, her opening partner, has taken a more aggressive approach and has been giving South Africa quick starts. Wolvaardt, on the other hand, seems to be playing a more passive role. As captain, things aren’t looking positive either.
Captaincy Under the Scanner
In Wednesday’s match, West Indies started strongly with 88 runs in 14 overs for the first wicket. Both Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph attacked the bowlers. Wolvaardt’s decisions in the field — her placements and bowling changes — were questionable. She appeared clueless at times.
South Africa will now take on the West Indies in the second ODI on Saturday, 14 June. Wolvaardt will hope to bounce back, both as a captain and as a batter. A series loss to the West Indies, who aren’t even in the World Cup, would be a serious blow. If things don’t improve quickly, the World Cup might end up being Wolvaardt’s last tournament as South Africa’s ODI captain.
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