In the opening T20 of a 4-match series, the South Africa Women’s Emerging Academy team displayed a fine all-round performance to secure a 33-run victory over Namibia. Battling through early setbacks with the bat and finishing strongly with the ball, the South Africa Women’s Academy team showed depth, resilience, and a sharp competitive edge.
After being put into bat, the South Africa Women’s National Academy got off to a cautious yet slightly shaky start. Openers Nicole Clare de Klerk and Oluhle Siyo walked out with intent, but the latter was dismissed early for a duck, putting early pressure. However, Nicole de Klerk showed some positive strokeplay, scoring a brisk 23 off 19 balls, and built a crucial 30-run partnership with Eliz-Marié Marx.
Once Nicole fell, Eliz continued to anchor the innings with her calm and composed 28 off 22 deliveries, adding another 37-run stand with Kayla Reyneke, who impressed with a punchy 21 off just 12 balls, striking at an impressive 175.00. As the innings progressed, Delmari Tucker added further stability with a valuable 29 off 22, and Jenna Evans contributed 15 off 16.
Despite a solid top and middle order effort, the lower order faltered under pressure. South Africa Academy ended their innings at a competitive 142/9. Wittmann Sunè starred with the ball for Namibia, claiming a remarkable 3/7 in just 2 overs, decimating the order. Sylvia Shihepo provided early breakthroughs, ending with 2/30 in her 3 overs.
Chasing 143 for victory, the Capricorn Eagles never really gained control of the chase. The South Africa Academy bowlers struck early and kept applying pressure with disciplined lines.
The top order stuttered, with Wittmann Sunè trying to build a foundation through a steady 20 off 27 balls but lacked support from the other end. Key batters like Kayleen Green (9), Bianca Manuel (0), and Yasmeen Khan (6) fell cheaply, leaving the Eagles reeling.
The only real resistance came from Mwatile Mekelaye and Edelle van Zyl, who stitched together a fighting 45-run stand in the middle overs. Mwatile crafted 28 off 31, while Van Zyl showed aggression with a fluent 30 off 22 deliveries, but their efforts were not enough to reverse the damage done early in the innings. The pressure got the Eagles’ lower order, and the innings folded at 109 in 20 overs, falling short by 33 runs.
Leah Jones delivered a match winning spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 8 runs in 3 overs, breaking the back of the chase. Luyanda Elihle Nzuza complemented her well with 2/25 in 4 overs, maintaining tight control throughout her spell.
