Anneke Bosch smashed a 44-ball 83 as South Africa cruised to a comfortable 6-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I at the Queens Sports Club, in Bulawayo, on Friday (September 11). Earlier in the day, Nthabiseng Nini and Kayla Reyneke bagged three wickets apiece to bowl out Zimbabwe for 116, a total which was surpassed with 41 balls to spare.
Despite the massive margin that separated the two teams, Zimbabwe put up a spirited performance against a far more stronger opposition. Barring Bosch, none of the South African batters managed to make an impression in the chase.
Earlier in the day, electing to bat, Zimbabwe’s top order struggled against Nini, who left them reeling at 12 for 4 mid way through the fourth over. However, Modester Mupachikwa stitched two handy partnerships in the company of Beloved Biza, Michelle Mavunga and Nomvelu Sibanda to help the side to 105 for 6 mid way through the 18th over. Her 43-ball 36 included five boundaries. However, Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen struck twice each to run through the lower order.
In response, South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt early. That didn’t do much to help Zimbabwe’s cause as Bosch had little trouble in taking apart the hosts. Even as Nondumiso Shangese struggled to find the big shots, she hung around as Bosch took the bulk of the load of the 68-run stand. The second wicket partnership almost sealed the deal for the hosts, but Zimbabwe chipped in with a few consolatory late wickets. Bosch smashed 11 boundaries and three sixes, but departed with one run needed.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 116 in 19.3 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 36, Michelle Mavunga 21; Nthabiseng Nini 3-17, Kayla Reyneke 3-29) lost to South Africa 117/4 in 13.1 overs (Anneke Bosch 83) by 6 wickets.
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