Kimberley – A stellar all-round performance from the Proteas Women saw them cruise to a six-wicket victory over England in the first ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) One-Day International on Wednesday. The triumph at Kimberley Oval gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Marizanne Kapp (3/24) and rising star Annerie Dercksen (3/16) spearheaded South Africa’s bowling attack, restricting England to 186 all out in just 38.4 overs. The Proteas’ captain, Laura Wolvaardt, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59 off 114 balls, supported by Nadine de Klerk’s explosive 48* off just 28 deliveries, sealing the win with 70 balls to spare.

England’s Struggles with the Bat
After winning the toss, England opted to bat first under scorching conditions. The decision quickly backfired as Kapp delivered a devastating opening spell, removing Sophia Dunkley (4), Tammy Beaumont (11), and Nat Sciver-Brunt (0) to leave England reeling at 29/3 in the seventh over.

England captain Heather Knight (40) and Amy Jones (21) briefly steadied the innings, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Dercksen’s disciplined bowling, complemented by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s (2/47) spin, ensured England never found their footing. A late 67-run stand between Charlie Dean (47*) and Sophie Ecclestone (17) added respectability to the total before Dercksen and Kapp wrapped up the innings.

Proteas Shine in the Chase
Chasing 187, South Africa lost opener Tazmin Brits early to Lauren Bell (1/30). Wolvaardt and Suné Luus (7) consolidated, taking the team to 46/1 by the end of the powerplay. Though Luus fell to Dean shortly after, Wolvaardt’s calm presence and a career-best 27 from Dercksen kept South Africa on course.

After Dercksen’s departure, Kapp chipped in with a vital 22 before Nadine de Klerk took center stage. De Klerk’s fiery innings, featuring 11 boundaries, ensured a swift finish as she and Wolvaardt completed the chase in the 39th over.

Looking Ahead
The Proteas Women will now turn their attention to the second ODI, which doubles as the fourth annual Black Day match, raising awareness against gender-based violence. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 8 December, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

Fixtures
Second ODI: Sunday, 8 December – Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
Third ODI: Wednesday, 11 December – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Only Test: Sunday, 15 – Wednesday, 18 December – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

The Proteas Women have set the tone with this commanding performance, and the stage is now set for an enthralling series against England

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]