In Barbados, West Indies defeated South Africa by four wickets in the rain-interrupted first ODI on the back of Kiana Joseph’s explosive batting.

With this win, West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Joseph played a blistering innings of 60 runs in 58 balls, which included 10 fours and 1 six.

Earlier in the match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat and scored 232/9 thanks to a brilliant fifty by Tazmin Brits (57 runs).

Brits also made the record of completing 1000 ODI runs, but West Indies spinners Karishma Ramharack and Aaliyah Allen put a break on her run rate by taking two wickets each. Nadine de Klerk (42) showed speed in the last overs, but could not increase the score further.

Chasing a target of 233 runs, West Indies got off to a great start with Joseph and Hayley Matthews (40). Both shared an opening partnership of 88 runs. Matthews hit four fours and a six, but Ayanda Hlubi dismissed her to give South Africa its first breakthrough.

Joseph did not stop and scored a half-century. Hlubi then sent Joseph back to the pavilion, after which West Indies scored 127/4.

How did the rain interfere?

Then rain interfered with the match and after a long break, the target was reduced to 180 runs in 34 overs. Stephanie Taylor (30 not out) took the responsibility and took West Indies to victory with two overs to spare. Hlubi took three wickets, but she was helpless in front of Taylor’s intelligence.

In South Africa’s batting, after the opening pair of Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put up a 73-run stand, the middle order faltered. Sune Luus (32) and Sinalo Jafta held on for a while, but Ramharack and Matthews pushed them on the backfoot.

Joseph’s brilliant innings and Taylor’s finishing gave West Indies a spectacular victory.

Now everyone’s eyes are on the next match, where South Africa will try to make a comeback. Will West Indies win the series? It remains to be seen.