SA-W vs WI-W: Laura Wolvaardt grabs one-handed stunner to send back Hayley Matthews

South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt grabbed a stunning catch to send back West Indies batter Hayley Matthews in the two teams’ clash in Johannesburg on February 6. In the 31st over of the innings, Matthews slashed at a Tumi Sekhukhune back-of-length ball that was delivered wide off the stump, but only to find Wolvaardt at point, where she dived full length to complete a sensational one-handed catch.

At the time, West Indies were reduced to 106/4 after they had won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth and final ODI of the series, which stands levelled 1-1. The visitors lost opener Rashada Williams cheaply, with Shabnam Ismail claiming her wicket in the powerplay.

Despite Deandra Dottin’s 36 off 63 and Kycia Knight’s 48 off 76, West Indies were left reeling against South Africa as they continued to chip in with regular wickets. Ismail added two more to her tally, with the scalps of Dottin and skipper Anisa Mohammed, while Ayabonga Khaka and Chloe Tyron picked two each to put West Indies on the backfoot as they tumbled out for 174.

What the hell 🤯
Laura Woolvardt takes a stunner to dismiss Mathews.#SAvWI pic.twitter.com/ZxkKlWJeu1

— WCricCraze🏏 (@WomensCricCraze) February 6, 2022

South Africa observe second Black Day ODI

Meanwhile, South Africa, in a bid to battle gender-based violence (GBV), observed the Black Day ODI, as they wore a special all-black jersey. The annual event started in Durban in 2021 against Pakistan and was observed for the second time on February 6.

The Proteas skipper Suun Luus was quoted as saying by CSA official website: “Black Day is very important to us and as a team, we feel strongly about the fight against GBV. With the support of CSA, we hope to bring awareness to this issue that affects our country greatly, and hopefully, we can make a difference.”

West Indies’ Stephanie Taylor extended her and the team’s support to CSA’s initiative. “The West Indies Women stand with South Africa in their fight against GBV. GBV has also been on the rise at home and many families have been more affected since the pandemic, with women and children suffering at the hands of men,” she said. “Violence in any form is never the answer.”

There is actually a bigger pandemic that we need to fight, and we as a business and as Momentum, feel very passionate about this,” said Carel Bosman, Head of Events and Sponsorship at Momentum Metropolitan.

“We urge every single person to get involved in this initiative from Cricket South Africa on 06 February when the Momentum Proteas will be playing in black, one, to raise awareness but also to form solidarity in fighting this pandemic.”