Hayley Matthews Guides West Indies to Series Win Against South Africa with Match‑Winning 65

Hayley Matthews proved once again to be the beating heart of West Indies cricket, leading her team to a 2‑1 T20I series win over South Africa with a classy 65‑run innings in the decider at Cave Hill. Needing 148 for victory, West Indies lost early wickets — Qiana Joseph and Realeanna Grimmond departed within the Powerplay — but Matthews kept her composure, reaching 20 by the end of the sixth over and then accelerating. An 18‑run over off Ayabonga Khaka set the tone, and she brought up a half‑century in 39 balls. By the time she fell for 65 in the 16th over, West Indies required 34 from 28 balls, a target that was confidently finished off by Shemaine Campbelle (42) and Chinelle Henry (20*).

Earlier, South Africa posted 147 for 6 thanks largely to the heroics of 20‑year‑old Miane Smit, making only her third T20I appearance. Despite a solid Powerplay and an opening stand of 29 between Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, South Africa struggled against the spin of Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack, finding themselves at 75 for 3 in the 12th over. Smit, however, salvaged the innings, anchoring the tail with an unbeaten 32 off 17 and putting together a vital 44‑run partnership with Chloe Tryon.

In the end, it was not enough as Matthews’ heroics sealed the win for the hosts, allowing West Indies to exact some revenge after a 2‑1 defeat in the preceding ODI series.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.