South Africa elects to bat first in fourth T20I against Zimbabwe

South Africa Women won the toss and elected to bat first in their fourth T20I against Zimbabwe Women at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on Thursday afternoon.

South Africa, who secured a series victory over the hosts, will have their eyes set on a whitewash. Their win was powered by Laura Wolvaardt, who marked her return to form with a blistering century. Annerie Dercksen also stood tall with a maiden five-wicket haul in a dominant display.

The senior players’ brilliance was buttressed by notable performances from the younger members of the side. Karabo Meso showed great application as she compiled her maiden T20I half-century, while Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, and Luyanda Nzuza gave little away with the ball.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has still not found ways to deal with their top order woes. Their opening partnerships have contributed a combined eight runs across three matches. The hosts will need their opening pairs to give them a firmer foundation if they are to have hope of securing victory in the series.

Michelle Mavunga showed some spunk and gave the Zimbabwean fans a reason to cheer with some brilliant hitting. Her sensational 23-ball 41 was the bright spark in Zimbabwe’s ignoble performance with the bat in the third match. The 21-year-old provided an insight into what the future holds for the hosts.

ZIMBABWE: Nyasha Gwanzura, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo (capt), Beloved Biza, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Loryn Phiri, Michelle Mavunga, Christina Mutasa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Francisca Chipare.

SOUTH AFRICA: Anneke Bosch, Miané Smit, Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Eliz-Mari Marx, Luyanda Nzuza, Jae-Leigh Filander (wk), Caitlin Wyngaard, Ayanda Hlubi.