South Africa took the top spot in the ODI leg of the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge, thrashing Netherlands by ten wickets at North-West University N0.2 Ground in Potchefstroom to notch up their fifth consecutive win.
Netherlands, who were asked to bat, lost their openers cheaply before a 35-run stand between captain Helmien Rambaldo and Marijn Nijman promised to stabilise the innings. That, however, didn't happen as a collective bowling effort by South Africa, led by offspinner Sunette Loubser who grabbed three wickets, cut through any resistance from the Netherlands batsmen. The progress was painstakingly slow and only one among the last six batsmen reached double-figures. Medium-pacer Marcia Letsaolo and 17-year old legspinner Dane van Niekerk took two wickets each, as Netherlands folded for 109.
The South African reply was ruthless, with the openers, Shandre Fritz and Trisha Chetty, dominating the bowlers to finish the game with 32.4 overs to spare. As a result of their win, South Africa moves to No.5 from No.7 in the women's ODI rankings.
Meanwhile, Stafanie Taylor reaffirmed her status as the best batsman in the tournament by making an 83 that set up West Indies for an easy victory over Pakistan. The win was West Indies' fourth and secured them second spot, while Pakistan finished fourth after losing their final three matches. Taylor completed the one-day leg with 390 runs, more than double the next highest scorer.
Taylor was assisted by her captain, Merissa Aguilleira, with whom she shared a 118-run stand for the third wicket. Taylor was dismissed in the 40th over, short of her third one-day century, but she had provided the platform for the rest of the West Indies batting. They plundered 89 in the final 11 overs to leave Pakistan facing a tall target.
Pakistan captain Sana Mir top scored with a patient 39 but with little support form her team-mates; her side never seriously challenged the West Indies total. They slid to 139 for 5 when Mir was dismissed, after which the remaining five wickets folded for 24 runs. Taylor prised out two wickets with her offspin to ensure she would get the Man of the Match award.
West Indies women 256 for 8 (Taylor 83, Aguilleira 50) beat Pakistan women 163 by 93 runs.
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