Relebohile Mkhize's left-arm seam bemused the powerful Western Province batting line-up, leading the DP World Lions to a vital victory in their one-day match at Newlands last weekend.
The attack as a whole was superbly disciplined, and our Pride did the double in Cape Town by also winning the T20 game.
In the One Day match, Mkhize took three wickets for 32 runs in eight overs. She ripped through the Western Province middle-order, and the DP World Lions successfully defended their total of 228 by bowling the home side out for 188. Mkhize claimed the key wickets of Proteas Faye Tunnicliffe, who was bowled first ball by a beauty that swung in late from over the wicket, and Delmi Tucker (10), who was trapped lbw by a similar delivery. She also bowled Tatum le Roux, who provided the last bit of resistance with 37 off 45 balls. It is important to note that there were three run outs, thanks to the brilliant fielding of Sarah Nettleton, Kgomotso Rapoo, and a direct hit from Nonkululeko Thabethe. These proved to be too much for Western Province.
The DP World Lions' total was established on the solid foundation laid by opener Nonkululeko Thabethe, who scored 56 off 89 balls. This ensured that there was room for those who followed to score quickly. Jenna Evans played aggressively in the closing overs, hitting some daring shots and scoring 44 off 52 deliveries. Meanwhile, Madison Landsman scored a brisk 52 off 65 balls.
The DP World Lions bowled exceptionally well as a unit in the T20 match, conceding only one wide in the Western Province innings. This restricted the hosts to 127 for six, resulting in a 17-run loss.
Seamers Lehlohonolo Meso (4-0-24-1) and Mkhize (4-0-25-1) were both difficult to score off. Spinner Sarah Nettleton (4-0-21-2) dismissed both Proteas openers. Lara Goodall (5) was bowled with a superb delivery that angled in and then spun away sharply from the left-hander to hit off-stump, while Tunnicliffe (11) was also dismissed. Jenna Evans (3-0-17-1) and captain Kgomotso Rapoo (4-0-25-0) supported the bowlers well.
After a solid start by Palesa Mapoo (20) and Landsman (19), the DP World Lions lost four wickets in successive overs, slipping to 49 for four at the halfway mark. However, doctor Kirstie Thomson stabilised the innings and formed a partnership with Thabethe.
By the end of their unbeaten 95-run stand, they were dominating the WP bowlers, lifting our Pride to 144 for four.
Thomson scored an impressive 55 not out off 42 balls, while Thabethe contributed with a punishing 41 not out off only 27 deliveries.
The Lions' victory against WP in the One Day Cup sets up a title decider on April 13 against the Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. If the Lions win with a bonus point, they will finish tied with the KwaZulu-Natalians at the top of the log with 29 points. The Central Gauteng team could then take the title based on the number of wins or nett run-rate.
The DP World Lions Ladies' Squad:
Relebohile Mkhize; Raisibe Ntozakhe; Sarah Nettleton; Kirstie Thomson; Ayabonga Khaka; Nonkululeko Thabethe; Kgomotso Rapoo (C); Sunette Viljoen-Louw; Sinalo Jafta; Diara Ramlakan; Lehlohonolo Meso; Samantha Schutte; Sarah Barber; Tumi Sekhukhune; Madison Landsman; Chloe Tryon, Robyn Kamerman, Thristan Cronje, Jameelah Shaikjee, Razeena Manack; Karabo Meso; Jenna Evans, Refilwe Moncho and Palesa Mapoo