Shabnim Ismail took 5-25 as the Proteas Women thrashed Zimbabwe Women by eight wickets in Potchefstroom.
It was Ismail’s second-ever five-wicket haul, while debutant Raisibe Ntozakhe also impressed with 3-8, to set up a convincing eight-wicket win for the Proteas in the first One Day International of the Women’s Quadrangular series on Sunday.
The series also includes Ireland and India, with India winning by a comfortable 10 wickets. Ismail’s outstanding 5-25 came in only 8.5 overs, including two maidens, to have the visitors bundled out for 78 in 26.5 overs after they elected to bat first.
Zimbabwe captain Sharne Mayers top-scored with 24 runs from 29 deliveries as the rest of her line-up visibly struggled to hold their own against the home side. The second-highest score was an unbeaten 42 ball 13 from Josephine Nkomo, who did her best to keep her wicket intact, but had no assistance from the rest of the lower order.
South Africa’s only disappointment with their bowling effort will be with the amount of extras conceded on the day. They yielded 20 runs, including 15 wides.
They reached the required total with 230 balls to spare and, with the exception of the lost wickets of Laura Wolvaardt (28) and Lizelle Lee (21), did so with relative ease. South Africa will face old enemy India in their next match on Tuesday.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
