South Africa seal dominant T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe

South Africa saw through a 13-run win in the fifth and final T20I against Zimbabwe, claiming the series 5-0.

Nthabiseng Nini and Ayanda Hlubi clinched three wickets each as the Proteas bowlers managed to defend the target of 165.

The hosts had put on a fighting response early on in the innings. Having lost both the openers - Nyasha Gwanzura and Lorraine Pemhiwa - in the powerplay, Zimbabwe were steered back into the chase by Kelis Ndhlovu (38) and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (29). The duo added 81 runs for the third wicket.

With Zimbabwe having trotted to a favourable position (103/2), the South African bowlers tightened the screws. Caitlin Wyngaard removed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano to break the partnership.

Nini and Hlubi then took over to seize wickets at regular intervals as Zimbabwe were restricted to 151/8.

Earlier, South Africa batters were put under the pump by the home side’s bowling attack. The visitors were reeling at 79/4, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt also back in the hut, when Kayla Reyneke (34) and Anneke Bosch (33) revived the innings. 

The pair helped South Africa past the 150-run mark. For Bosch, the innings added to what has been an excellent series with the bat. The Proteas batter finished as the highest run-getter with 214 from four innings, which included two half-centuries.

Bosch was adjudged the Player of the Series for her memorable display. Nthabiseng Nini, who made her debut earlier in the series and finished as the top wicket-taker across the five T20Is, was named the Player of the Match.

Zimbabwe will next host the West Indies for three ODIs as part of the ICC Women’s Championship, followed by as many T20Is.

Photo courtesy: Zimbabwe Cricket