During the third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between South Africa and West Indies, South African left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered a sensational performance, dismantling West Indies’ Qiana Joseph with her masterful spin.
Nonkululeko Mlaba outsmarts Qiana Joseph
The incident took place in the 5th over of the first innings.
Mlaba, known for her precise and deceptive bowling, set up Joseph with a beautifully disguised delivery. The ball, a cleverly executed slider, caught Joseph flat-footed as she attempted a drive, completely misreading the trajectory. With minimal foot movement, Joseph was beaten on the inside edge, and the ball clipped the off-stump, sending her back to the pavilion for just 4 runs off 14 balls. Mlaba’s clever bowling earned her the first wicket of her spell, and it was a wicket that seemed inevitable given Joseph’s struggle at the crease.
Here is the video:
Mlaba’s dismissal of Joseph proved to be a crucial turning point that triggered a collapse in the West Indies batting order. The spinner went on to claim three additional wickets, achieving an impressive 4-wicket haul. Bowling her complete four-over spell, she conceded only 29 runs, leaving the West Indian batters at a loss and earning her a well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
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South Africa’s all-round dominance against West Indies
Batting first, West Indies managed to post a modest total of 118/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Stafanie Taylor was the lone bright spot for the West Indies, top scoring with a well-constructed 44 off 41 balls, which included two fours and one towering six. However, the rest of the lineup struggled to gain momentum, with no other batter making a significant contribution.
Apart from Mlaba’s outstanding performance, South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp also made a notable impact, taking two crucial wickets during the West Indies innings.
With 119 runs required for victory, the Proteas women entered the chase with confidence. They successfully chased down the target, reaching 119 runs in the 18th over without losing a single wicket. Captain Laura Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits led the charge, both scoring half-centuries. The South African women clinched a commanding victory, winning the match by 10 wickets in hand.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.