Shabnim Ismail’s fine form continued as her 4-14 spurred the Proteas Women on to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe.
After being bowled out the last time the sides met for only 78 runs, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first.
The visitors made a rocky start to their innings as Shabnim Ismail struck twice inside the first five overs. She first captured the wicket of Loren Tshuma, who was caught by Trisha Chetty for just two.
Ismail then accounted for the other Zimbabwe opener in her very next over as Chipo Mungeri was trapped lbw for a duck at the start of the fifth over.
Zimbabwe’s only noteworthy partnership followed when Modester Mupachikwa (29) and Sharne Mayers (13) added 36 for the third wicket. The pair looked set to guide their side to the 50-run mark, before Masabata Klaas had Mayers caught by Lizelle Lee in the 17th over.
South Africa’s Women’s Player of the Year, Sune Luus, then removed the threatening Mupachikwa for a resilient 49-ball 29 that included five fours. This was her second wicket of the match as she returned figures of 2-24 in six overs.
Ismail’s third wicket followed early in the 32nd over, Pellagia Majaji caught by Lee for 15. She then put the finishing touches to a fine outing when she took the final Zimbabwean wicket, Nomvelo Sibanda, to skittle the hosts for a modest 113.
In reply, the South African opening pair of Lee and Andrie Steyn sped to 23-0 inside four overs before Lee departed for an 18-ball 17 (two fours, one six).
Chetty and Steyn then kept the momentum going as they reached the 50-run mark during the eighth over. Though Steyn and Chetty both fell in quick succession for 22 and 19 respectively, the Proteas Women were already all but assured of victory.
Despite the loss of three wickets, Mignon Du Preez added 22 and Marizanne Kapp 16, which allowed the Proteas Women to complete a resounding victory.
It is the third win in four matches for the Proteas in the quadrangular series. Their next match is against India on Wednesday.
