Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Lady Chevrons came within touching distance of pulling off a consolation victory against South Africa but once again found themselves on the wrong side of the result, going down by 13 runs in the final T20 International at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Zimbabwe had done much to put themselves in contention after restricting the Proteas Women to 164/6, a significant improvement from the high-scoring encounters that had characterised the series.
But the target proved beyond the Lady Chevrons as they finished on 151/8 from their 20 overs, allowing South Africa to complete a 5-0 series sweep.
Kelis Ndhlovu top-scored for Zimbabwe with 38 off 30 balls, while Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano contributed 29 and Sharne Mayers made 19.
Zimbabwe’s chase received an early boost from Nyasha Gwanzura, who struck 16 from nine balls, but the hosts struggled to maintain momentum after losing wickets at regular intervals.
South Africa’s bowlers kept Zimbabwe under pressure, with Ayanda Hlubi and Nthabiseng Nini taking three wickets each.
Hlubi finished with 3/24 from her four overs, while Nini claimed 3/19. Caitlin Wyngaard took one wicket.
Earlier, Zimbabwe’s bowlers had given their batters a realistic chance of chasing down the total, with Michelle Mavunga leading the attack with 3/46.
Kayla Reyneke was South Africa’s top scorer with an unbeaten 34, while Anneke Bosch made 33 and Miane Smit scored 30.
Zimbabwe also produced one of the fielding highlights of the match when Kelis Ndhlovu held a blinding catch at deep square to dismiss Bosch.
The result completed a five-match clean sweep for South Africa, leaving Zimbabwe still searching for a victory after a series in which they struggled to match the visitors’ consistency with both bat and ball.
