An explosive 76 from Sune Luus and a career-best 55 from Nondumiso Shangase powered the Proteas Women to their highest-ever ODI total against the West Indies - an imposing 309 for 9. In response, the hosts were bowled out for 269 despite spirited half-centuries from captain Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle.
Luus, who struck 10 boundaries in her 55-ball knock, anchored the middle-order after a cautious start from openers Tazmin Brits (26) and Laura Wolvaardt (28), who put on 51 for the first wicket. The pair laid a platform in the opening 15 overs before Matthews (2 for 47) and Afy Fletcher (4 for 64) struck in quick succession to reduce South Africa to 59 for 2.
Shangase then combined with Luus in a pivotal 85-run stand that swung the momentum back in South Africa's favor. The 28-year-old all-rounder brought up her maiden ODI fifty with a flurry of boundaries before falling to Matthews. Luus continued the charge alongside Marizanne Kapp (32), whose composed contribution helped take the visitors past the 150 mark.
South Africa's middle and lower order chipped in with meaningful runs, including a late surge from Annerie Dercksen (37) and Chloe Tryon (28), whose 57-run partnership in the final overs ensured the Proteas breached the 300-run barrier for just the second time in ODI history.
In reply, the West Indies made a steady start but lost opener Qiana Joseph (17) to Kapp (2 for 42) with the score on 40. Matthews led from the front, compiling a fluent 56 off 58 balls - her eighth ODI half-century - but lacked lasting support. Brief stands with Realeanna Grimmond (15) and Stafanie Taylor (17) were broken by disciplined bowling, with Nonkululeko Mlaba (4 for 33) and Nadine de Klerk (1 for 42) instrumental in applying pressure.
Campbelle (53) fought valiantly, sharing a 58-run partnership with Chinelle Henry (39) that briefly kept the chase alive. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Shangase and Kapp returning to clean up the lower order. Mlaba was the standout with the ball, claiming career-best figures and key wickets at crucial junctures.
Despite late resistance from Zaida James (18) and Fletcher (19), the West Indies fell short as South Africa closed out a convincing win.
The series decider will take place on Tuesday at Kensington Oval, with both sides now eyeing a morale-boosting series victory.
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