Series on the line as Proteas Women prepare for winner-takes-all ODI

The Proteas Women are primed for a spirited performance in the third and final one-day international (ODI) against the West Indies at the Three Ws Oval on Tuesday, as the two teams prepare to battle it out for series honours with the three-match contest level at 1-1.

Following a strong comeback victory in the second ODI, South Africa head into the decider with renewed confidence and clarity on what it will take to get over the line.

Allrounder Nondumiso Shangase, who produced a standout performance with her maiden ODI half-century worth 55 off 48 deliveries (4 fours, 2 sixes) in the previous match, addressed the media ahead of the series finale.

She shared insight into the mood within the camp and the team’s mental readiness for the challenge ahead.

“I won't say we're too happy or we're too down, you know. We need to celebrate that victory, it was a good one, but then at the same time we know what's at stake here and we're ready for Tuesday.” the 29-year-old commented.

Shangase’s emotional innings in the second ODI not only contributed significantly to the team’s triumph, but also marked a personal milestone after years of hard work and persistence.

Nondumiso Shangase reflects on her maiden ODI half-century. 🔥🏏

A composed, confident, and stellar knock from a rising Proteas Women star. 🇿🇦🌟 #AlwaysRising #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/pxYJjjvhJX

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) June 16, 2025

“It's meant a lot to me, I've been trying to get it and getting it that day, I was really emotional and then at the same time I was like, it's still not over, the game is still on, I still need to go back, wipe those tears and then carry on with the match, but it's really, really meant a lot to me,” the Hollywoodbets Dolphins captain added.

Looking ahead to what will be a high-stakes encounter, the allrounder emphasised the importance of consistency and execution from the entire squad.

“It's the performance. We just need to perform at our best again to make sure that we get over the line.”

With the eyes of South African cricket fans firmly fixed on both national teams, the Proteas Women have also drawn inspiration from the recent achievements of the Proteas Men, who secured a memorable victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at ‘Home of Cricket’, Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“Yes, we were (inspired) and we were watching. We even missed breakfast that day because of that match because we were like no we can't just go, we watched every run. We were inspired.”

The final ODI takes place on Tuesday, 17 June from 10am local time (4pm SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Cricket (Ch. 212).