PAARL, South Africa, CMC – Teenaged opener Stafanie Taylor stroked a maiden One-Day International century to propel West Indies to a convincing five-wicket win over South Africa in their opening clash of the four-match series yesterday.
The right-hander carved out an attractive, unbeaten 108 as the tourists, chasing 182 for victory, cruised to victory in 41.3 overs at Boland Bank Park.
Batting first after being sent in, South Africa were lifted to 181 for seven thanks to a third-wicket stand of 61 between top scorer Cri-zelda Brits and Mignon du Preez.
Brits stroked 48 from 83 balls with three fours while du Preez got 25, as they steered their side out of discomfort after they had been reduced to 51 for two in the 13th over.
Opener Trisha Chetty gave South Africa a solid start, stroking an enterprising 25 from 23 balls with four fours, in posting 36 with Kirstie Thomson who hit a patient 17.
When Chetty was run out in the ninth over, Thomson followed her 15 runs later in similar fashion as the Proteas lost momentum.
But Brits and du Preez steadied the ship well though they found quick scoring against the miserly Windies bowlers.
