Proteas Women whitewash Zimbabwe

Photo Credit: CSA

Nthabiseng Nini and Ayanda Hlubi produced decisive spells with the ball as the Proteas Women completed a clean sweep over Zimbabwe with a thrilling 14 run victory in the fifth T20 International in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Nini claimed three for 19 to earn Player of the Match honours, while Hlubi delivered a career best three for 24 as South Africa defended 164 for six and restricted the Lady Chevrons to 150 for eight.

The result completed a dominant 5 0 series victory for the Proteas, who maintained their perfect record throughout the five match contest.

South Africa were asked to bat after winning the toss for the fourth consecutive match and once again opened with a new combination. Miané Smit made 30 while Faye Tunnicliffe added 25, with the pair putting on 37 before Tunnicliffe was trapped lbw by Michelle Mavunga.

Smit and Karabo Meso took South Africa to 56 for one at the end of the powerplay, but Zimbabwe responded strongly. Meso, Smit and Laura Wolvaardt, who made seven, fell in quick succession to leave the visitors struggling at 79 for four in the 11th over.

Anneke Bosch and Kayla Reyneke then steadied the innings with a crucial 75 run partnership for the fifth wicket. Reyneke finished unbeaten on 34 while Bosch contributed 33 as South Africa pushed beyond 150 in the final over.

Mavunga claimed two late wickets, including Bosch and Annerie Dercksen for eight, but the Proteas reached 164 for six to give their bowlers a competitive total to defend.

Zimbabwe's chase began badly when Hlubi removed Nyasha Gwanzura for 16 before Nini dismissed Lorraine Pemhiwa for two, leaving the hosts on 22 for two in the fourth over.

The home side recovered through Kelis Ndhlovu and Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, who launched an aggressive counterattack with an 80 run partnership. Their stand took Zimbabwe to 102 for two after 13 overs and put the hosts firmly in contention.

Caitlin Wyngaard changed the momentum when she bowled Mugeri Tiripano for a crucial wicket, before Hlubi struck twice in consecutive deliveries to leave Zimbabwe on 110 for five in the 15th over.

Sharne Mayers made 19, Josephine Nkomo 11 and Mavunga 12, but Zimbabwe could not sustain the chase. Nini returned to claim two late wickets, while Meso completed a run out to close out the match and seal South Africa's 14 run victory.

Bosch was named Player of the Series after an outstanding campaign with the bat. She finished with 214 runs from four innings, including two half centuries and a best score of 83.

The Proteas Women now turn their attention to December, when they host India in a multi format tour featuring one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is.

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