South Africa women lost the first ODI against West Indies women by 16 runs despite an unbeaten 69 from Marizanne Kapp.
Kapp, in her 50th ODI for South Africa, ran out of partners as West Indies successfully defended their total of 214.
South Africa were all out in 48.5 overs as they fell agonisingly close towards the end. They needed 25 from 18 balls with three wickets in hand with Kapp (69 not out from 83) and Shabnim Ismail (34) at the crease.
Together the pair had rescued their team from an even bigger defeat after the home side stumbled to 94-6 in pursuit of their target. But Kapp and Ismail shared a 70-run partnership which took them to the brink before a dramatic collapse.
With 25 from 18 to get, Ismail was caught off the bowling of Shaquana Quintyne, who took 2-15 in four overs. Three balls later Masabata Klaas was caught for a duck, leaving South Africa with 23 to get from 12 balls.
Chloe Tryon survived six deliveries before she became Deandra Dottin’s fifth wicket to leave Kapp stranded.
Hayley Matthews (56) and Britney Cooper (55 not out) each scored a fifty as West Indies women posted 214-7 in their 50 overs.
The next ODI also takes place in East London on Saturday.
Picture: Gallo
