Twitter Reactions: Mlaba, openers propel South Africa to record win over West Indies

Unbeaten half-centuries from South African openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits after a brilliant four-fer from left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba guided the Proteas to a massive 10-wicket win over West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

Wolvaardt had no hesitation in sending West Indies in to bat, despite the opening day of the tournament resulting in the chasing team's doom. When asked for the reason at the toss, she justified it by stating that it was down to history at the Dubai International Stadium. Her troops did not disappoint one bit, backing the call taken to the tee.

The powerplay resulted in only 31 runs for the West ndies, with the openers back in the shed. The most expensive over of their innings was the ninth, with wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle being dropped. However, she could not punish the Proteas as she fell to Mlaba in a double-wicket 12th over which derailed the Women in Maroon.

Zaida James and Stafanie Taylor tried their level best to end the innings on a positive note, and the duo was largely responsible to take West Indian to 118. Taylor was unable to break free despite staying in the middle for the longest, scoring 44 off 41, her highest score at the mega-event since the 59 against Australia in the final in 2016. 

Not only did the South African managed to add 12 more as compared to the West Indian side in the first six overs, the main point of difference was the openers surviving the phase. Brits took her time but slowly grew into her innings while skipper Wolvaardt led from the front as South Africa eventually cantered to a statement victory, becoming the fifth team to win a Women's T20 World Cup game by a 10-wicket margin

Mlaba was deservedly awarded with the Player of the Match as the Proteas Women clinically announced their name in the tournament as one of the teams to beat.   

Here's how X reacted to Match 3 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024