While only a practice fixture, the result will provide a significant lift for South Africa, who will face the same Australian side in their opening World Cup match at Old Trafford in Manchester on 13 June.

The match also marked the long-awaited return of fiery fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, who was back in Proteas colours for the first time in three years and made an immediate impact.

Batting first, South Africa recovered well after an early wobble to post a competitive 163/7 from their 20 overs. Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp led the charge with a blistering 49 off 29 balls in her return from a lengthy illness lay-off, while rising star Kayla Reyneke continued to impress with 45 off 35 deliveries.

Shabnim Ismail. Photo: Cricinfo

Sophie Molineux was Australia’s standout bowler, while Ash Gardner claimed 2/18.

Australia’s reply never quite gathered momentum, and they were bowled out for 156 in 19.4 overs. Beth Mooney top-scored with 40 off 21 balls, while Tahlia McGrath contributed 30 off 23. Ismail stole the show with the ball, finishing with excellent figures of 4/39, while spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba played a key supporting role with 2/20 as South Africa closed out the victory.

Reflecting on the win and her return to international cricket, Ismail credited the batting unit for laying the platform after a difficult start.

“With the batters, we were four wickets down in the first six or seven overs, but the way we capitalised was crucial,” said Ismail.

“Kapie had a great partnership with Kayla, and that gave us the momentum going into the bowling innings.”

Although delighted to be back in the green and gold, Ismail admitted there were a few nerves early on. “I’m not happy with my first over, but it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” she said.

“That’s one thing we thrive on as the Proteas Women, and it’s something the coach talks about a lot. I thought the way we finished as a bowling unit was really good. Kapie wasn’t even on the field, so I was a bit stressed there, but we pulled it off really nicely.

“It’s crucial having Kapie’s experience. I’m sure she gave Kayla a mouthful out there in the middle, but it’s nice to have that experience. They gelled really well together, and that partnership took us to a winning total.”

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: Cricinfo

Ismail revealed that captain Laura Wolvaardt had challenged the side to approach the match with the same intensity as an international fixture despite its unofficial status.

“Before we went out to bowl, Laura said let’s keep it really professional. We knew it was only a training match, but we wanted to finish on a high as well.

“That gave the girls the confidence to keep training, keep trying and keep doing what we need to do, while also finishing with a positive result. To be honest, I was really excited in the first over, but then I bowled a no-ball or two and thought, ‘Here we go again’.

“Every time I bowl a no-ball, coach says, ‘Shibs, no-ball’. He gave me a mouthful, to be honest, and told me, ‘Shibs, you need to work’, and I said, ‘Coach, I’ll definitely do that’.”

Kayla Reyneke. Photo: Cricinfo

The experienced speedster said it felt special to be back alongside her teammates.

“It was really nice getting over the rope today with the girls. I’m happy I made the choice to come back and play with them. It felt like a family again, and I’m happy we got the winning result.

“I was happy picking up wickets and helping us get over the line, but it was also about doing what I do in the nets and coming out and executing. I’m still not happy with certain things, and I’ll go back into the nets and work on them.”

Confident

“The way the bowling unit came out, we were confident that we were going to defend the score. Australia is a world-class team with world-class players. For us to get wickets at crucial stages of the game really shifted the momentum in our favour. Hopefully, for the next few training games as well, we can continue that momentum.”

The second of the three warm-up matches between South Africa and Australia will be played on Tuesday in Arundel.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg