Nthabiseng Nini took three wickets on her international debut as South Africa beat Zimbabwe by six wickets in the opening T20 international in Harare.
The Ikageng-born bowler returned figures of 3/17 from 3.3 overs and was named player of the match after Zimbabwe were dismissed for 117.
Nini struck with her first ball in international cricket, removing opener Nyasha Gwanzura for three. She dismissed Kelis Ndhlovu four deliveries later and added a third wicket as Zimbabwe slipped to 12/4.
Modeste Mupachikwa led the hosts’ recovery with 36, while Kayla Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen helped South Africa finish the innings in the final over.
South Africa lost captain Laura Wolvaardt for six early in the chase, but Anneke Bosch took control with a career-best T20 international score of 83 from 43 balls. Her innings included 11 fours and three sixes.
The Proteas Women reached the target with 41 balls remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second match is scheduled for Sunday at Queens Sports Club.
