South Africa takes series after thrilling tie

West Indies crumbled under pressure and squandered a huge opportunity to draw the ODI series against South Africa. The game ended in a tie to give South Africa the series 2-1, after West Indies needed just two to win off the final over, which they failed to score.

West Indies, chasing 181, were 179 for 7 at the end of the 49th over. Britney Cooper and Anisa Mohammed were the batsmen in the middle and managed just one run off a brilliant over from fast bowler Alicia Smith, who finished with figures of 2 for 13 from six overs. The first delivery was pushed back to the bowler, Cooper scrambled a single off the second while Mohammed ruined the end, playing out three dot balls before being bowled off the final delivery.

"I basically kept a disciplined line and length, I knew that she just wanted to tap and run so I kept it tight outside off," Smith said. "We got ourselves into a bit of trouble during the middle of the innings and the West Indies were walking away with it. We knew that getting wickets was the only way to win. None of us expected this fairytale ending but I'm proud of the girls for sticking together and keeping their heads."

West Indies had got themselves into a strong position, with eight needed off the last three overs, and seven off the last two but South Africa turned the tables at the death. Chasing a competitive total, West Indies were dominating at 100 for 2 in the 23rd over. But the dismissal of opener Deandra Dottin (34) resulted in a mini collapse as well as a drastic decline in the run rate. Three wickets fell for 19 in seven overs, and it was left to captain Merissa Aguilleira to guide her team through. She chipped in with 36 amid contributions from the lower order and though West Indies limped towards their target, they were will within reach of a win in the last three overs. Cooper and Mohammed, however, failed to get them past the finish line.

Mignon du Preez's unbeaten 70 had formed the backbone of South Africa's batting effort, and she received good support from Shandre Fritz (31) and Smith (20). Smith, in the end, proved the match-winner with her miserly spell, as South Africa celebrated a major series victory.