In a series largely dominated by South African prowess, the third and final ODI between West Indies and South Africa Women at North Sound witnessed a moment of pure cricketing theatre, a flash of brilliance from the West Indies skipper, Hayley Matthews, whose stunning return catch to dismiss Sune Luus will stand out as a highlight of this contest.
Rain delayed the start, but Tazmin Brits wasted no time, slamming her 4th ODI ton (101 off 91) and, along with skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s assured 75, laid a 184-run opening platform for South Africa. Afy Fletcher’s crafty leg-spin pulled things back with timely wickets, but South Africa still posted a commanding 278/6 in a rain-reduced 45.5 overs.
Set a revised chase of 288 in 39 overs, West Indies wilted under Masabata Klaas’s fiery spell, losing four wickets within the first four overs. Aaliyah Alleyne and Jahzara Claxton showed resistance, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 121, sealing a 2-1 ODI series win for the Proteas.
Skipper Hayley Matthews grabs a stunner Sune Luus
Having seen her bowlers hit to all parts by the in-form South African batters, Matthews, the heartbeat of this West Indies outfit, produced a captain’s moment in the 33rd over. Sune Luus, looking to up the ante, drove firmly back at the bowler. In a flash, Matthews instinctively took a half jump with a fully stretched hand above her head, and the ball stuck in her mitts and was safely pouched to send Sune Luus (4 off 11 balls) back to the pavilion.
The power Luus generated in her stroke made the ball seem destined for safety, but Matthews judged the trajectory perfectly. She completed the catch with a nonchalance that belied the difficulty, her celebration stoic, but teammates surrounded her in delight.
“Great return catch from the captain, Hayley Matthews. West Indies are putting South Africa under pressure and how.”
“Good pressure being built, good bravery, good execution, and an excellent catch.” The On-Air Commentators Merissa Aguilleira and Stacy-Ann King reflected on the catch.
In a game rapidly slipping away from the hosts, this was a statement, a captain leading in adversity, setting the example.
Compare Matthews’s effort to some of the great return catches in women’s cricket history, and you find all the hallmarks of excellence: lightning-fast reflexes, secure hands, and ice-cold nerves. For a West Indies side under siege, Matthews’ athleticism and leadership injected belief and briefly swung momentum.
While the West Indies could not convert this burst of energy into victory, moments like these are invaluable, galvanising a young squad, inspiring fans, and reminding everyone of the magic that one person’s brilliance can bring to the sport.
Hayley Matthews’ catch to dismiss Sune Luus will linger in memory, not just for its technical brilliance but for what it represented: character under pressure, and the indomitable spirit of the Caribbean game. In a match dominated by South Africa, this was a West Indian gem, and a reminder that women’s cricket is richer for such moments of inspiration.
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I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.