Sibanda rues batting collapse as Lady Chevrons fall to South Africa

LADY Chevrons stand-in captain Nomvelo Sibanda was left ruing a failure with the bat after the Lady Chevrons were beaten by South Africa by six wickets in the opening T20 International of their five-match series at Queens Sports Club on Friday.

Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 116 in 19.4 overs, a total South Africa chased down with 41 balls to spare, reaching 117 for four in 13.1 overs.

For Sibanda, the defeat was largely decided by Zimbabwe’s inability to put together substantial partnerships, with wickets falling in clusters and preventing the hosts from building a competitive total.

“It is disappointing that our batters did not come to the party. We lost wickets in clusters and I think that is where the difference was,” said Sibanda.

The Lady Chevrons had looked capable of posting a respectable total through the middle overs, with Modester Mupachikwa providing the backbone of the innings.

The experienced batter top-scored with a patient 36 from 43 balls and was involved in two important partnerships, sharing 35 runs with Beloved Biza, who made 13, before adding 34 with Michelle Mavunga.

Mavunga provided some much-needed aggression late in the innings, smashing 21 from 18 deliveries, but Zimbabwe could not maintain the momentum and were eventually dismissed for 116.
South Africa’s bowling attack had made early inroads, with Nthabiseng Nini making an impressive start to her international career.

The 21-year-old medium-pacer struck with her first delivery in international cricket, removing Nyasha Gwanzura, before also accounting for Kellies Ndlovu in the same over.
She returned in her second over to dismiss Loreen Tshuma and finished with three wickets for 17 runs from 3.4 overs.

Kayla Reyneke also claimed three wickets, although she conceded 29 runs in her four overs, while Annerie Dercksen picked up two wickets for 15 runs.
With 117 to defend, Zimbabwe needed early wickets, but South Africa’s batting depth proved decisive.

Anneke Bosch took control of the chase with an outstanding 83 from 43 balls, reaching her half-century from just 31 deliveries.

Bosch combined power with placement to put South Africa firmly in command before Nyasha Gwanzura finally ended her innings, trapping her lbw at 83.

Gwanzura was Zimbabwe’s leading bowler, finishing with two wickets for 19 runs from her four overs.

The defeat leaves Zimbabwe trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, with the second T20I scheduled for Sunday.