Masabata shows her Klaas with career-best spell in big Proteas victory

Masabata Klaas flaunted some newfound maturity as she claimed career-best figures in the Proteas women's excellent 44-run victory over the West Indies in a Tri-Series match at Buffalo Park in East London on Saturday.

The skilful seamer ended with 4/21 as she produced a classic performance, ripping out the visitors' openers in her first spell and then coming back to scalp two middle-order victims.

However, Klaas will be first to admit that she could capitalise on the pressure built by the duo of the wily Ayabonga Khaka and young Nonkululeko Mlaba, who both strangled the Islanders from the outset with spells that ended with economy rates below 3.

Earlier, South Africa did well to justify batting first after winning the toss, negotiating the slow surface well and building a total that didn't look imposing but was more than enough for a potent attack.

Marizanne Kapp reinforced her superstar status with another fine half-century, curbing her more aggressive nature to craft a 43-ball 52, receiving good support from skipper Sune Luus, whose 30 off 26 proved vital in picking up the tempo.

That was a necessity after the openers Laura Wolvaardt (25 off 30) and Anneke Bosch experienced the same difficulties as the West Indies in getting the rate going.

The Proteas' re-match with the Windies is on Wednesday.