TZANEEN – The Tzaneen Tigers Ladies cricket team put up a spirited fight in their opening match of the 2026/27 Mopani T20 League, despite losing to Serurubele DCC by three wickets.

 The Tzaneen-based team scored 114 runs before being bowled out in 18 overs. Serurubele DCC chased down the target, scoring 118/7 in 19 overs to secure the victory.

Captain backs her players

Speaking to the Herald, team captain Anneke van Wyk said the team was not discouraged by the loss, as it was still finding its feet in competitive cricket.

For most of the players, it was their first experience playing in a formal outdoor competition. “I’m proud of all our players, as they gave it 100%. We ran out of bowlers on the day, and two of our best players were unavailable, which affected our game plan,” she said.

A sticky wicket

Van Wyk added that the poor condition of the pitch was another major challenge, making it difficult for the team to perform at its best.

Although the players had to contend with scorching temperatures, she said they were accustomed to the heat, and it had not affected them significantly.

The Tigers were unable to play their second match against Hoedspruit after the fixture was cancelled.

More Tigers wanted

The team is inviting more women to join, with the aim of growing its membership sufficiently to field two teams. Their next matches will be against Nkowankowa Hub’s first and second teams at Ben Vorster High School on Saturday, October 24.

The league’s final matches for the year will take place on Saturday, December 5, before resuming after the Christmas holidays. The competition is expected to conclude in March next year.

Women interested in joining the Tzaneen Tigers Ladies cricket team can contact 083 309 7326, 082 469 4347 or 082 557 9564 for more information.