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Maia Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt from England showcased exceptional batting skills with impressive centuries, while Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded the Proteas Women’s defense on Day 1 of the one-off Test at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
In her Test debut, Bouchier shone brightly with an outstanding innings of 126 runs off 154 balls, featuring 22 fours and two sixes. Sciver-Brunt closely followed with a powerful 128 runs from 145 balls, which included 18 boundaries. However, Mlaba stood out with her best Test performance to date, taking 4 wickets for 90 runs, as England declared their innings at a commanding 395/9.
South Africa finished the day successfully, facing the last six overs without losing a wicket and concluding at 17/0, trailing by 378 runs. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England’s openers, Tammy Beaumont (21) and Bouchier, established a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership.
The first breakthrough occurred when Ayanda Hlubi (2/40) claimed her debut Test wicket by dismissing Beaumont. Unfazed, Bouchier built another half-century partnership with captain Heather Knight (20), pushing England’s score to 103/1. Tumi Sekhukhune (1/37) then struck by trapping Knight lbw, paving the way for the formidable Sciver-Brunt.
Sciver-Brunt and Bouchier unleashed their potential on the South African bowling lineup, forming a dominant 174-run partnership for the third wicket. Both batters celebrated their centuries, but just before tea, Mlaba secured the vital wicket of Bouchier.
After the break, Mlaba kept up her excellent performance, assisted by Suné Luus (0/78), who bowled steadily. Mlaba claimed the wicket of Danni Wyatt-Hodge (12) and executed a run-out of Sciver-Brunt at the non-striker’s end, leaving England at 357/5 in the 79th over.
With both centurions back in the pavilion, Mlaba added two more wickets to her tally, while Hlubi and Marizanne Kapp (1/20) played crucial roles in restricting England’s scoring. England ultimately declared their innings at 395/9 after 92 overs. In response, South African openers Laura Wolvaardt (8*) and Anneke Bosch (6*) safely navigated a tense six-over session before the close of play.
The day concluded with South Africa at 17/0, trailing by 378 runs in the first innings.
Proteas Women Test Squad – Inbound Tour against England (2024/25)
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder* (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
