While the Proteas have named a squad featuring several inexperienced and fresh faces, this series will mark the first-ever senior women’s international meeting between the two nations.

There is, however, a strong and experienced core in the squad, naturally spearheaded by captain Laura Wolvaardt. At 27, Wolvaardt is still relatively young, but she already has more than 230 white-ball appearances for South Africa under her belt.

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Speaking ahead of the first T20 International in Matabeleland, Wolvaardt said the younger players have brought a completely different energy to the camp, which has made the experience an exciting one.

“No, so far I think I've been very impressed with how the youngsters have gone about their business,” said Wolvaardt.

“I think we do have a very young squad. I think the average age is like 23 or something, we counted the other day.

“So I'm all of a sudden in the old group when we do warm-ups, which is a bit different. But yeah, so far it's been lots of fun.

“I think the youngsters bring so much really good energy to the group, and I've actually really enjoyed the last week, getting to know them.

“And their love for cricket has been sort of awesome to be around. I think when you play a lot of cricket and you tour most of the year, it's really nice to have that fresh energy and just to have everyone so bubbly and happy to be here.

“But in saying that, I've found they've been really professional as well. I think when it's been time to work, they've really put their head down and put 100 percent focus into it.”

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Wolvaardt added that while the Proteas are accustomed to facing teams such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, taking on Zimbabwe in their own conditions presents a refreshing challenge, with the series offering something completely new for everyone in the squad.

“Yeah, it's been really cool being here - I was saying to some of my teammates, it's been a long time since I've played, you know, in a new country, at a new venue against a new opposition, so it's pretty exciting,” Wolvaardt added.

“At the start of your career, you have a lot of those opportunities, but now, you know, when we play against the likes of India, it's the fifth, sixth, seventh time that we're playing against them, so this has been really cool.

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“Like you said, it's really close to home – a lot of similarities to home. Some of the stores are the same, some of the, you know, the TV channels, the food, so it's a bit of a weird feeling how similar it is, even though being in a different country.

“And the flight being so short, I think we were at the airport longer than what the flight was, so that was a bit strange. But yeah, so far it's been lots of fun.

“The people are really friendly as well, so that’s been really great.”

Play at the historic Queens Sports Club is set to get underway at 13:30 on Friday afternoon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport