An all-round performance from Dane van Niekerk saved South Africa clinch a solid seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I of the three-match series face to Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday.
South Africa skipper first thrilled with the ball, compiling figures of 3/12 from four overs, before bursting 71 off 55 deliveries to support the hosts go after the target of 91 under 15 overs.
Van Niekerk single-handedly had her side to the win, her innings featured 13 boundaries.
Recently, Sri Lanka retained a solid set up as they carried the South Africa pace duo of Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp at bay. By the end of the first 10 overs, the visitors were at 44 for the loss of one wicket.
Although, the loss of Hasini Perera (27) off van Niekerk, pointed the commencing of Sri Lanka give way and the wickets fell steadily throughout the rest of the innings.
Following the party with South Africa skipper, Masabata Klaas pulled up two wickets, while Tumi Sekhukhune got a piece.
Also Read: Hero Gold Cup: Indian women’s football team to play against Iran
South Africa, with a 1-0 lead, will see Sri Lanka for the second match of the three-match series on February 3 at Johannesburg.