Jones guides Women's Emerging Academy to victory over Namibia

Leah Jones.

Captain Leah Jones led from the front with ball in hand as the CSA Women’s Emerging Academy claimed a 33-run victory in the first T20 against Namibia in Windhoek on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

The South African outfit posted a notable 142/9 in their 20 overs, with Delmi Tucker top-scoring with 29. Jones then returned outstanding bowling figures of 4/8 in her three overs to help restrict the Capricorn Eagles to 109/9, despite a spirited 30 off 22 from Edelle van Zyl.

The Emerging Academy won the toss and opted to bat first. Although opener Oluhle Siyo fell for a duck in the second over, the visitors recovered well, reaching 37/1 by the fifth over thanks to contributions from Nicole de Klerk (23) and Eliz-Mari Marx (28). Namibia’s Sylvia Shihepo (2/30) then claimed her second wicket, dismissing De Klerk.

New batter Kayla Reyneke (21) wasted no time at the crease, hammering three boundaries in the sixth over to help South Africa cross the 50-run mark inside the PowerPlay. Reyneke and Marx put on a useful 37-run partnership for the third wicket before Mekelaye Mwatile (1/20) broke through, having Reyneke stumped in the ninth over.

With the score on 74/3, the experienced Tucker entered the fray. Though Namibia continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals, the Proteas-capped all-rounder added a crucial 29 off 22 deliveries. She was well-supported by Jenna Evans (15) and Luyanda Nzuza (8), pushing the visitors to a competitive total.

Namibian captain Suné Wittmann was the pick of the bowlers, claiming the vital late wickets of Tucker, Evans, and Nzuza. Wilka Mwatile (1/17) and Kayleen Green (1/9) also chipped in, helping restrict the visitors to 142/9 at the end of their innings.

In reply, Namibia struggled to build momentum at the crease as the South African bowlers struck early. Jones and Nzuza (2/25) ripped through the top order, removing Green (9), Bianca Manuel (0) and Yasmeen Khan (6), reducing the hosts to 29/3 after seven overs.

Wittmann (20), M Mwatile (28) and Van Zyl provided some respite for the Namibians, helping them reach triple figures. However, the Emerging Academy bowlers maintained their grip on the match with Marx (1/7), Mona-Lisa Legodi (1/14) and three more wickets from Jones ensuring there was no comeback.

Although Mwatile and Van Zyl added a 45-run stand for the sixth wicket, the chase eventually fizzled out as Namibia closed their innings on 109/9, handing the South Africans a comfortable 33-run win.

The second T20I takes place on Thursday at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek from 2pm.

Delmi Tucker.

CSA Women’s Emerging Academy Squad - Tour to Namibia

Alexandra Candler (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Nicole de Klerk (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gandhi Jafta (Fidelity Titans), Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans). Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Kgomotso Rapoo (DP World Lions), Verunissa Reddy (Knights), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Oluhle Siyo (World Sports Betting Western Province), Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Caitlyn Wyngaard (World Sports Betting Western Province).

Fixtures

T20 Series

Wednesday @ 2pm SAST

First T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek) - SA won by 33 runs

Thursday @ 2pm SAST

Second T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Saturday @ 2pm SAST

Third T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Sunday @ 2pm SAST

4th T20: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

50-over Series

Tuesday @ 10am SAST

First 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Thursday, 10 July @ 10am SAST

Second 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)

Saturday, 12 July @ 10am SAST

Third 50-over: CSA Emerging Women’s Academy v Namibia (High Performance Oval, Windhoek)