A stellar opening partnership by Lizelle Lee (46) and Laura Wolvaardt (30) set the Proteas up for a competitive 127/6 after the allotted 20 overs.

It was then the Tigers' turn at the crease but tight bowling from the women restrict the visitors to only 110 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Shabnim Ismail.

Ismail who produced bowling figures of 3/19 in four overs, says that regardless of the total set, focus is required till the very last ball.

"No total is too low, you always have to bowl that last ball and until that last ball has been bowled, you never know to which side it will go."

Ismail also sang the praises of her teammates for their contributions to the win.

"I think Lizelle done an exceptional job upfront with Wolfie (Wolvaardt). I think we had a great partnership, then for the bowlers to come out and finish, it was really good," Ismail added.

The team now make their way to Bloemfontein for the 2nd and 3rd T20’s on Saturday and Sunday with both fixtures starting at 13:00.