Nondumiso Shangase celebrates her maiden ODI fifty as South Africa prepare for the deciding match against the West Indies. Image: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
(The Post News)– The Proteas Women are gearing up for a fiery finish in the third and final ODI against the West Indies at the Three Ws Oval on Tuesday, with the series perfectly poised at 1-1.
After a determined fightback in the second ODI, South Africa enter the decider with fresh confidence and a firm grasp of what’s required to clinch the series. A key contributor to that comeback was allrounder Nondumiso Shangase, who struck her first ODI half-century—an emotional 55 off 48 balls featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Shangase reflected on the team’s mindset, noting a balance between celebration and focus. She said the mood wasn’t overly celebratory or deflated—they were grounded and ready for what lies ahead.
Her innings in the previous match wasn’t just a turning point for the team but a deeply personal milestone. Years of persistence finally bore fruit, though she quickly reminded herself there was still work to do. “It meant a lot, but I had to wipe the tears and keep playing,” she shared.
Looking to the final ODI, Shangase stressed the importance of execution: it’s going to take a complete team performance to get across the finish line.
The Proteas Women have also been spurred on by the Proteas Men’s recent triumph at Lord’s, with Shangase revealing the team skipped breakfast to catch every moment. “We were inspired,” she said.
The deciding ODI takes place on Tuesday at 4pm (SAST), live on SuperSport Cricket.
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