Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — The Proteas Women have made a flying start to their five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, winning the opening two matches in convincing fashion to take a 2–0 lead in the series.
The first T20I, played on Friday, 11 September at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, saw South Africa defeat Zimbabwe by six wickets. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 116 in 19.3 overs, before the Proteas raced to 117/4 in 13.1 overs, with 41 balls remaining.
Nini shines on international debut
One of the biggest highlights of the opening match was the international debut of Nthabiseng Nini, who announced herself on the senior stage with a sensational bowling performance. The young seamer claimed 3/17 in 3.3 overs, playing a major role in restricting Zimbabwe to 116. She also became only the second Proteas Women player, after Chloé Tryon, to take a wicket with her first delivery in international cricket. Nini struck early, removing Nyasha Gwanzura and Kelis Ndhlovu before claiming her third wicket of Loreen Tshuma. Her figures of 3/17 were complemented by Kayla Reyneke's 3/29, while Annerie Dercksen contributed 2/15.
Bosch produces another match-winning performance
While Nini dominated with the ball, Anneke Bosch provided the fireworks with the bat. Bosch smashed a career-best 83 runs from 44 balls, striking 11 fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 188.64. Her aggressive innings helped South Africa chase down Zimbabwe's total comfortably.
Bosch's excellent form continued into the second T20I on Sunday, 13 September, where she once again played a starring role. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, posting an imposing 193/3 in 20 overs. Zimbabwe responded with 129/7, giving the Proteas a commanding 64-run victory and a 2–0 series advantage. Bosch was named Player of the Match after another explosive batting display, scoring 65 runs from just 31 balls, including 12 fours. She also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, completing an impressive all-round performance.
Her 65 came at an exceptional strike rate of 209.68, as she raced to her half-century from just 24 balls. She also shared a crucial 64-run partnership with Nondumiso Shangase, before being dismissed after making 65. The Proteas' batting depth was once again on display, with Faye Tunnicliffe unbeaten on 52 from 34 balls, while Annerie Dercksen added 36 from 20 balls to help South Africa finish on 193/3.
A perfect start for the Proteas
The opening two victories have given South Africa significant momentum as they continue what is a historic tour. The series is the first-ever bilateral T20I series between the South African and Zimbabwe women's teams. All five matches are being played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. With Nini making an immediate impact on debut and Bosch producing back-to-back match-winning batting performances, the Proteas have plenty of positives to take into the remainder of the series.
The third T20I will take place on Tuesday, 15 September, followed by the fourth on Thursday, 17 September. The series concludes on Saturday, 19 September, with South Africa looking to complete a clean sweep.
Match Results
1st T20I — 11 September
Zimbabwe Women: 116 all out (19.3 overs)
South Africa Women: 117/4 (13.1 overs)
South Africa won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Nthabiseng Nini — 3/17 (3.3 overs)
2nd T20I — 13 September
South Africa Women: 193/3 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe Women: 129/7 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 64 runs
Player of the Match: Anneke Bosch — 65 off 31 balls, 12 fours, 2 wickets
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