Proteas teams turn up the heat with impressive wins

Photo Zimbabwe Cricket

The Proteas men and women both enjoyed impressive victories on Friday, with the men sealing their ODI series against Namibia in Windhoek and the women opening their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a convincing win in Bulawayo.

Connor Esterhuizen hit his maiden ODI century as South Africa scored 335 for 8 before bowling Namibia out for 179 to win by 156 runs.

Esterhuizen played a key role in the Proteas’ big total, sharing a 183 run partnership with Tony de Zorzi. De Zorzi scored 79, while Esterhuizen went on to make 119 from 110 balls.

The right hander reached his century in style, hitting a six straight down the ground off Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus. His innings included five sixes.

Dewald Brevis added 38 from 30 balls, while Eathan Bosch helped South Africa pass 300 with a quick hitting contribution.

Namibia never looked comfortable in the chase. Duan Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers with four wickets, while Bosch claimed three.

Namibia were reduced to 32 for 5 early in their innings before Erasmus tried to rescue the chase with 57. His resistance was eventually ended by debutant Nqobani Mokoena, who claimed his first ODI wicket.

Namibia were bowled out in the 42nd over, handing South Africa a 2 0 series lead with one match still to play.

In Bulawayo, the Proteas Women also started their series in winning fashion, beating Zimbabwe by six wickets.

There were two standout performances for South Africa. Debutant Nthabiseng Nini took three wickets for 17 runs, while Anneke Bosch smashed a career best 83 from only 43 balls.

Nini made an immediate impact on her international debut. She took a wicket with her first ball, becoming only the second Proteas Women player after Chloé Tryon to achieve the feat.

She struck twice more as Zimbabwe struggled to build an innings after being reduced to 12 for 4 inside the opening four overs.

Modeste Mupachikwa top scored for Zimbabwe with 36, but South Africa kept taking wickets and bowled the hosts out for 117.

Kayla Reyneke took three wickets for 29 runs, while Annerie Dercksen claimed two for 15.

South Africa lost captain Laura Wolvaardt for six early in the chase, but Bosch took control. She reached her sixth T20I half century and continued attacking as the Proteas moved towards the target.

Zimbabwe managed two late wickets, including Bosch, but South Africa had already done enough and reached 118 for 4 with 41 balls still remaining.

The men will complete their ODI series against Namibia on Sunday, while the Proteas Women face Zimbabwe in the second T20I at Queen’s Sports Club from 13:30.