South Africa Women won by six wickets with 41 balls remaining against Zimbabwe Women in the first T20I of the South Africa Women tour of Zimbabwe 2026, with Anneke Bosch’s unbeaten 83 driving a commanding chase. Nthabiseng Nini, the Player of the Match, and Kayla Reyneke took three wickets each as Zimbabwe Women were dismissed for 116.

Zimbabwe Women were bowled out for 116 in 19.3 overs after Modester Mupachikwa made 36, Michelle Mavunga contributed 21 and Nomvelo Sibanda added 15. South Africa Women’s attack ensured the innings never developed into a substantial total, with Nini and Reyneke claiming three wickets apiece and Annerie Dercksen taking two.

That total was never beyond South Africa Women once Bosch took control. Her 83 was the defining innings of the match, carrying the visitors to 117 for 4 in 13.1 overs and sealing victory with nearly seven overs unused. Nondumiso Shangase made 18, while Laura Wolvaardt scored 6.

Zimbabwe Women did take four wickets in the chase, led by Nyasha Gwanzura’s two wickets. Mavunga and Loreen Tshuma claimed one wicket each, but Bosch’s innings made the difference as South Africa Women completed an emphatic opening-night result.

Key performers

  • Anneke Bosch, South Africa Women: 83 runs in the successful chase.
  • Nthabiseng Nini, South Africa Women: 3 wickets and Player of the Match.
  • Kayla Reyneke, South Africa Women: 3 wickets.
  • Annerie Dercksen, South Africa Women: 2 wickets.
  • Modester Mupachikwa, Zimbabwe Women: 36 runs.
  • Michelle Mavunga, Zimbabwe Women: 21 runs and 1 wicket.
  • Nyasha Gwanzura, Zimbabwe Women: 2 wickets.

NerdSports Stat: Bosch made 83 of South Africa Women’s 117 runs in the chase, accounting for 70.9% of the winning total.

As the opening match of the five-T20I series, this result does not decide the contest. The series standing after the match is listed as level at 0-0, with four T20Is still to come. Zimbabwe Women and South Africa Women meet again on Sunday, September 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between Zimbabwe Women and South Africa Women?

South Africa Women won the match by 6 wickets with 41 balls remaining.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Nthabiseng Nini was named Player of the Match for taking 3 wickets.

What is the series standing after this match?

The five-match T20 series is listed as level at 0-0 after the opening match, with four matches remaining.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Anneke Bosch top-scored with 83 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

The next Zimbabwe Women vs South Africa Women T20 is on Sunday, September 13.