21-year-old Ntabiseng Nini demonstrated an impressive performance in her first match at the highest international level, dismantling Zimbabwe's attack in the first T20I of the five-match series held in Bulawayo on Friday.
When the young fast bowler Ntabiseng Nini took to the field with a new ball in the T20I against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Proteas Women coach Mandle Mashimi and captain Lore Wolvaardt gave her simple instructions. Nini recalled: 'The message from the captain and coach was to keep it simple, use the new ball wisely, and allow the batters to make mistakes.'
Coach Mandla advised her: 'Think about the cones when we train on targets. Think about those cones, don't look at the batter, because you will make too many mistakes.' This advice proved very useful and was reflected in her bowling.
This mental preparation yielded immediate results: Nini entered South African cricket history by taking a wicket off the very first ball at the international level, dismissing opener Nyasha Gwanzur for three. She thus became only the second player for the Proteas Women team after Chloe Tryon to achieve this feat.
Throughout the match, Ntabiseng Nini played brilliantly, dismantling the top order of Zimbabwe and showing unforgettable performance. In just 3.3 overs, she claimed 3/17, putting the hosts in a catastrophic position at 12/4 in less than four overs. Her brilliant performance earned her the match of the match award in her first senior outing.
Speaking about the transition from junior teams to the elite squad, Nini was delighted with the achievement, noting the subtle differences between the levels. She stated after the match: 'I still can't believe I did it. But I know that taking a wicket off the first ball is in my blood. I have been doing this for a long time, so I am very happy and proud to contribute to the team.'
Despite the early collapse of the batting lineup, Zimbabwe managed to salvage some runs, scoring 117 runs, thanks to the contribution of Modeste Mupachikwa, who scored 36 runs. Nini openly discussed the team's dip in the middle of the match, showing impressive maturity in analyzing the situation.
Following the dominant victory over Zimbabwe Women, the team spoke with Nini (3/17) and Anneke Bosch (83 off 43), two key performers of this memorable day for Proteas Women. Nini explained: 'I wouldn't say there was any pressure from our side. I think we relaxed a bit because we fought so hard in the first couple of overs, and then we worked on building that momentum. We cannot start on a high note and then let the opposition get free runs. We must start fighting from the first ball until the 120th. So, I think we just left them there, but we will come back stronger.'
Her initial damage made the chase a formality. Anneke Bosch easily handled the task, scoring a career-best T20I score of 83 runs off 43 balls (11 fours and 3 sixes), securing the win for the team by six wickets with 41 balls remaining.
Having secured a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, South Africa will focus on the second T20I on Sunday at the Queens Sports Club stadium, where Nini will once again aim for those same cones.