South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp took to social media after the team’s recent tour of West Indies, calling it a “Tough tour from an individual point of view for myself, but so many positives for this team. Blessed to still be able to do what I love… it will take some time to be back at my best, learning every day!”
Kapp returned to South Africa’s setup for their tour of the West Indies after opting out for the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka in April-May. Before the Caribbean tour, Kapp was last seen playing for South Africa in the home series against England in December and was in action during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season.
South Africa began their Caribbean tour on a high, clinching the ODI series 2-1, and carried that confidence into the T20Is. Kapp delivered immediately in the first T20I, picking up 2 wickets in 3 overs, playing a vital role in South Africa’s win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Alongside, Tazmin Brits commanded a brilliant 98* off 63, missing out on a century but guiding the team to victory.
However, the momentum soon swung. The West Indies regrouped, and under the leadership of captain Hayley Matthews, staged a comeback to seal the series 2-1. South Africa struggled to string together partnerships and control the run chase in key moments. Despite the team’s setbacks, Kapp was once again the standout with the ball in the third and final T20I, also the series decider, recording 2/27 in her full quota of 4 overs, a performance that reminded everyone of her class and consistency.
One of the biggest positives from the tour was the emergence of 20-year-old all-rounder Miané Smit. Making her T20I debut in the series, she showed maturity beyond her years. Though she scored a modest 9 and 13 in her first couple of outings, it was in the third T20I where she truly announced herself.
Smit’s unbeaten 59* off 38 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a maximum, anchored South Africa’s innings and offered a glimpse of the future. Her innings was not only composed and fluent but also timed perfectly amidst a crumbling batting lineup, helping the Proteas post a competitive 147/6.
The West Indies, led by the ever-reliable Hayley Matthews, turned the tide of the T20I series with dominant all-round performances. In the second T20I, Matthews anchored the chase with a composed 63* off 56 balls, while Afy Fletcher made a strong impact with the ball, claiming 2/13, helping level the series 1-1. In the decisive third T20I, Matthews once again rose to the occasion, delivering a match-winning 65 off 50 balls and also chipping in with a crucial wicket.
Earlier in the series, Kapp celebrated a major career milestone, playing her 150th ODI during South Africa’s dominant 2-1 ODI series win in the West Indies, a stunning achievement reflecting her enduring class and commitment. Her performances in the ODI series were vital after she sat out of the rain-affected defeat in the opener. Kapp fought back with crucial figures of 2/42 in 6 overs in the second ODI also providing crucial 32 runs, helping level the series, in a 40-run win. In the series decider, 3rd ODI, she added a gritty 34* and returned figures of 1/7 (4), playing a key role in South Africa’s 166-run DLS victory.
Kapp impressed on her return, scoring 32 and 34* in the ODIs, alongside bowling figures of 2/42 and 1/7. However, her form dipped sharply in the T20Is, where she departed cheaply with scores of 2, 0, and 1. Despite her modest batting performances—by her high standards—she remained crucial with effective and economical bowling in the T20Is. Her return to the team and the promising signs are encouraging, especially with the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup less than three months away.
While the West Indies celebrated a series win, South Africa will reflect on missed opportunities but also take heart from standout performances, particularly the return of Marizanne Kapp and the emergence of Miané Smit, along with performance from Tazmin Brits which showcased the team’s depth and promise heading into a crucial World Cup season.
Though this tour reflects Kapp’s own appraisal, tough from an individual point of view, it also showcased South Africa’s strength in depth. The belief is clear, while reintegration and form may take time for seasoned campaigners like Kapp, emerging talents like Smit are stepping up, and that’s central to the squad’s promise ahead of global challenges.
As South Africa builds toward the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the Caribbean tour serves as a mix of reminders and revelations. Though the T20I series result didn’t go their way, the Proteas will take home vital learnings, renewed belief, an encouraging ODI series win, and a deepened squad foundation as key ingredients as they set to prepare for bigger battles ahead.
