ZIM-W vs SA-W, 1st T20I: Debutant Nini makes instant impact for Proteas Women in Bulawayo

South Africa Women’s first-ever bilateral tour and maiden T20I series against Zimbabwe began with a six-wicket win in Bulawayo in the first T20I, as debutant Nthabiseng Nini made an instant impact for the Proteas Women. Making her international debut, Nini bagged the Player of the Match award for her three-wicket haul (3/17) on September 11.

Nini was not the only debutant, with the visitors also handing a debut cap to Caitlin Wyngaard. However, after winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bat first. The 21-year-old debutant pacer, Nini, struck with her very first ball in international cricket, dismissing opener Nyasha Gwanzura. She added another wicket in the same over, dismissing Kelis Ndhlovu. In the next over, she picked up another wicket, dismissing Loreen Tshuma to reduce the hosts to 12/4 in 3.3 overs.

After that, crucial contributions from Beloved Biza (13 off 17), wicketkeeper-batter Modester Mupachikwa (36 off 43), Michelle Mavunga (21 off 18) and skipper Nomvelo Sibanda (15 off 16) rescued the home side and ensured they crossed the 100-run mark. However, another collapse followed as Zimbabwe lost their last four wickets for just 11 runs, going from 105/6 to being bundled out for 116 in 19.3 overs.

Apart from Nini’s three wickets, Kayla Reyneke also took three wickets, while Annerie Dercksen chipped in with two and Eliz-Mari Marx took one. Another debutant, Wyngaard, went wicketless in her two overs, conceding 16 runs.

However, there was a lack of discipline from the bowlers, who conceded 20 extras, including 18 wides — an area to rectify heading into the next games.

In reply, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed cheaply for just six runs. But Anneke Bosch displayed an ultra-aggressive approach, smashing 83 off 43 balls at a strike rate of 193.02, including 11 fours and three sixes.

Nondumiso Shangase added 18 off 22, stitching a 68-run partnership for the second wicket with Bosch. Eventually, the Proteas Women completed the chase with 6.5 overs to spare.

The second match of the series will be played at the same venue on September 13.

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