Proteas U19 Women started their T20 World Cup with attacking performances during their opening two games of the T20 World Cup in Malaysia, thrashing New Zealand and Samoa.
Conditions in Malaysia have not been favourable but the Proteas have pushed through with some aggressive batting and even more lethal bowling.
Jemma Botha and Nthabiseng Nini have been star performers so far, not to say that the rest of the players forgot to show up for battle.
Nthabiseng Nini awarded the Aramco Player Of The Match award for her stunning figures of 3 wickets for 4 runs in 2 Overs.
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) January 20, 2025
Well done Superstar 👏![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🔥![CDATA[]]>🎉.#AlwaysRising #U19WorldCup #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/zTR9bxoDb5
New Zealand won the toss and fielded first.
Botha looked confident at the crease, smacking around NZ bowlers to card 32 of 24, and securing her the player of the match award.
Simone Lourens held the other end of the opening partnership, putting 21 runs on the board from 14 balls. Wicketkeeper Karabo Meso also contributed with her 25 of 14.
The Proteas put up 91 runs in the 11 overs for the Kiwis to chase.
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
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An absolutely dominant performance from 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 SA Women's U19 as they pick up the win against Samoa Women's U19 🇼![CDATA[]]>🇸 by 10 Wickets.#AlwaysRising #U19WorldCup #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/vHzKQkMqij
Head Coach Dinesha Devnarain said the team was a bit nervous because of the weather but that fell away quickly.
“The game was cut short to 11 overs and our openers were striking the ball nicely and scored around 10 to the over. At the halfway mark we just spoke about discipline and the lengths we want to bowl,” Devnarain said.
Kiwi opening batter Emma McLeod put up a solid 34 of 25, with five fours and a six but all hope seemed lost after Legodi removed her from the wicket.
The remaining NZ batters failed to get a start and breathe new life to their innings, finishing on 69/5 after 11 overs.
The Proteas went on to put up another dominating performance against Samoa, with senior level fielding and bowling exhibited by the team.
Pace bowler Nini was on top form, winning player of the match for her impressive 3/4 from two overs.
Fay Cowling, Reyneke and Seshnie Naidu picked up two wickets each, while Ms consistent, Monalisa Legodi picked up one.
Samoan batters were shaken with Nini’s pace and the Proteas spin, putting up a dismal 16/10 from 9 overs.
A hungry U19 side wrapped things up quickly, with Botha and Lourens once again showing confidence with the bat.
Conditions at Sarawak Grounds were poor, to say the least, with numerous big shots at the hands of Lourens and Botha dying in the muddy outer field.
“I think we were pretty dominant against Samoa but they are not a nation to play a lot of cricket or are known for their cricket.
“There was also rain so we sent them to bat first. Bundled them out for 16 and then got it done in 1.4 overs.
“So quite dominating performance but we are not trying to look too much into that game. We still want to be disciplined with the bat and ball,” Devnarain said.
Although the game could have ended sooner, the Proteas won the game in 1.4 overs and look forward to their next match against Nigeria on Wednesday.
Nigeria may be perceived as a weaker cricketing nation compared to South Africa, because of the Proteas history, level of resources and investment in cricket compared to the west African nation, but Nigeria has surprised many.
In their debut world cup, the Nigeria U19 side pulled off an upset victory over New Zealand, who are considered a cricketing prowess.
Nini told SABC Sport that Nigeria’s win was good for the continent and looked forward to playing them on Wednesday.
“Seeing Nigeria getting a historic win, it’s great to see other African countries taking up the sport. It is good for us and the continent, and we are looking forward to the all-African clash on Wednesday,” Nini was quoted saying.