Rain forces abandonment of West Indies/South Africa women T20I

The first T20I between South Africa and West Indies was called off due to rain in Antigua, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday.

South Africa, who opted to bat, made 135 for 3 from their 20 overs, thanks to handy knocks from Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt. The visitors began well, with the openers Lee and Dane van Niekerk stitching a 31-run partnership before van Niekerk was caught by the West Indies captain Anisa Mohammed while attempting a sweep shot, off the bowling of Hayley Matthews.

Lee and Kapp, however, ensured the momentum was not lost, as they kept the scoreboard ticking with a 45-run stand before Lee was eventually run out for 30. Kapp followed her soon after, being dismissed for 36, with South Africa placed at 87 for 3 in the 15th over.

Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits then shared an unbroken partnership of 48 runs to lift the visitors to 135. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 35 off 21 balls, stroking two fours and sixes each.

The West Indies were dealt an early blow in their chase, as the opener Deandra Dottin had to retire hurt after facing just three balls. The hosts’ other opener, Matthews, did not last too long either, as she was caught behind by the wicketkeeper Trisha Chetty off Kapp’s bowling, leaving the team at 21 for 1 after 2.5 overs.

However, rain struck and the match was halted for more than an hour before it was abandoned.

The second T20I will be played on Thursday, at the same ground. (ESPNcricinfo)