15|09|2026

by Zen Senti

The Proteas were once again too strong for their neighbours despite making changes to their line-up in the third T20 match between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

 

The visitors batted first, with South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt having a new opening partner in Miane Smit. The South African opening partnership once again failed to fire for the third consecutive time, with Smit being dismissed by Tendai Makusha for 8.

 

Despite the Proteas finding themselves in a spot of trouble at 27/1, the momentum of the match quickly shifted thanks to a second-wicket partnership between Wolvaardt and Karabo Meso.

 

The pair put on an unbeaten 173-run partnership, with the captain scoring a magnificent 126 from 62 balls and Meso contributing her maiden T20I half-century. After previously scoring 6 and 10 respectively in the series, Wolvaardt finally rediscovered the form that has made her the second-ranked ICC T20I batter in the world.

 

Her innings came at a remarkable strike rate of 203 and included 16 fours and four sixes.

 

The partnership ensured that South Africa posted an imposing 203/1 in their 20 overs, with Makusha the only Zimbabwean bowler to claim a wicket.

 

The South African bowlers, however, did not suffer the same fate as their Zimbabwean counterparts. Annerie Dercksen claimed an impressive 5/15, while Eliz Mari-Marx, Ayanda Hlubi, Seshnie Naidu and debutant Luyanda Nzuza each took a wicket as South Africa secured an 80-run victory.

 

Zimbabwe's batters could only manage 120 all out in 19.3 overs, with 21-year-old Michelle Mavunga top-scoring with 41 from 23 balls. Opening batter Nyasha Gwanzura also made a notable contribution of 28, while 17-year-old Christine Motasa added a respectable 19.

 

The series has two matches remaining, and Zimbabwe will be hoping to avoid a whitewash. Meanwhile, South Africa's young squad will be looking to build on their performances as they aim to convince Mandla Mashambyi that they deserve a place in the Proteas' main squad.