South Africa secured an emphatic 80-run victory in the third T20I at Queens Sports Club, taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. With three wins already secured, Zimbabwe can no longer overturn the result, meaning the Proteas Women have officially clinched the series with two games still in hand.
The victory was set up by a brilliant batting display, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading from the front. After relatively quiet outings in the opening two matches, Wolvaardt produced a sensational 126 not out from 62 deliveries, smashing 16 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of more than 200. Her innings was also a record-equalling 18th international century, moving her level with India’s Smriti Mandhana for the most international hundreds in women’s cricket.
Wolvaardt found excellent support from Karabo Meso, who registered her maiden international half-century with an unbeaten 50 off 51 balls. The pair put together an unbeaten 173-run partnership as South Africa finished on a commanding 200/1 from their 20 overs.
The Proteas Women then carried their momentum into the second innings, putting Zimbabwe under pressure from the start. Annerie Dercksen was the standout performer with the ball, claiming a career-best 5/15 in four overs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 120 in 19.3 overs.
The result means South Africa have won all three matches played so far, following victories by six wickets in the opening T20I and 64 runs in the second. They now have the opportunity to build on their series success when the two sides meet again in Bulawayo on Thursday, 17 September, before the final T20I on Saturday.
For the Proteas Women, it has been a commanding start to the tour, with impressive contributions coming from both the batting and bowling departments as they continue their strong run in Zimbabwe.