Hlubi, Nini star as South Africa complete 5-0 sweep

In the final Twenty20 International in Bulawayo, South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 13 runs to complete a 5-0 series sweep. After choosing to bat, Miane Smit, Kayla Reyneke, and Anneke Bosch all scored useful 30s to help South Africa reach 164 for 6. After that, Nthabiseng Nini and Ayanda Hlubi each took three wickets, limiting Zimbabwe to 151 for 8.

South Africa got off to a flying start in the Powerplay, winning at 56/1. With a quick 25 from 13 balls, including six fours, Faye Tunnicliffe led the charge. Smit took over after Tunnicliffe's dismissal but the innings lost momentum with Karabo Meso and Smit falling in quick succession. After Laura Wolvaardt was bowled in the 11th over, South Africa was at 77/4.

With a 75-run partnership, Bosch and Reyneke brought South Africa past 150. Reyneke remained unbeaten on 34 off 31 as South Africa reached 160, with 56 runs coming in the final five overs. Annerie Dercksen scored a few boundaries in the final over. With 3 for 46, Michelle Mavunga was Zimbabwe's best bowler, while Nyasha Gwanzura, Beloved Biza, and Kudzie Chigora each took a wicket.

In the Powerplay, Zimbabwe only scored 39 runs and lost a few wickets. But Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano and Kelis Ndlhovu made 81 runs off 61 balls to get the hosts back on track. After 10 overs, they had Zimbabwe at 84/2. In the 13th over, Ndlhovu hit a six off Seshnie Naidu to reach 100 runs.

However, soon after, a collapse occurred. Mugeri-Tiripano was found by Caitlin Wyngaard, and Ayanda Hlubi delivered Ndlhovu and Beloved Biza in turn. Zimbabwe, which was well-positioned at 103/2, fell to 115/5. Sharne Mayers and Sharne Mayers attempted to revive the innings, but South Africa continued to peg away, leaving the lower order batters with a lot of work to do.