Rampant Ismail inspires Proteas victory

Potchefstroom - Proteas pace bowler, Shabnim Ismail set up a seven-wicket victory for her side against Zimbabwe in the seventh match of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women's Quadrangular Series in Potchefstroom on Monday.

Ismail took a remarkable 4/14 in 7.2 overs to help restrict Zimbabwe to 113.

Ismail, whose spell included a maiden over was responsible for the removal of openers, Loren Tshuma (2) and Chipo Mugeri (0).

Modester Mupachikwa (29) and Sharne Mayers (13) tried to hold down the fort with a 36-run partnership for the third wicket, but they were dismantled by Masabata Klaas and Sune Luus, who returned figures respective figures of 2/12 and 2/24.

Josephine Nkomo and Pellagia Mujaji scored 17 and 15 respectively, but the total proved too modest for the determined home side.

It took just 21.2 overs for South Africa to reach their target thanks to Andrie Steyn and Mignon du Preez who both scored 22, the latter's was "not out."

Nomvelo Sibanda, Tasmeen Granger and Nomatter Mutasa were the three to get breakthroughs, dismissing Lizelle Lee (17), Trisha Chetty (19) and Steyn, but it was not enough to win.

The hosts won with 172 deliveries to spare.

South Africa, with just the loss against the Asian side, have been a close second throughout the series.