The 2025–26 CSA Women’s Pro20 Series concluded in dramatic fashion at Kingsmead in Durban, where Western Province Women successfully defended their title in a bowler-dominated contest. Chasing a modest target of 76, they overcame a late surge from the Lions’ attack to secure a four-wicket victory with eight deliveries remaining.
Lions struggle to build momentum
After being sent in to bat, the Lions were unable to establish any sustained partnerships against a disciplined Western Province bowling unit that made full use of the conditions. Tatum Le Roux played a decisive role with the ball, dismantling the middle order to finish with figures of 3/18.
The innings never gained real momentum as the Lions were restricted to 75/8 in their 20 overs. Jenna Evans provided the main resistance, compiling a determined 22 from 39 balls while wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Ntozakhe’s spell sparks late drama
Western Province’s chase began steadily, with Lara Goodall contributing 20 to lay a solid foundation. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Lions captain Raisibe Ntozakhe entered the attack.
Her outstanding spell of 4/9 transformed the contest, triggering a collapse that left Western Province under pressure at 59/6 with the lower order exposed. The final stages turned into a tense battle as the defending champions looked to avoid a late upset.
Oluhle Siyo’s vital contribution of 24 runs helped stabilise the innings, while Leah Jones provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 14. Western Province eventually reached 76/6 in 18.4 overs to seal the title in a hard-fought encounter.
Individual honours underline standout season
Despite ending on the losing side, Raisibe Ntozakhe was named Player of the Match for her remarkable four-wicket haul that nearly turned the final. Over the course of the tournament, Faye Tunnicliffe collected both the Batter of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament awards after becoming the first woman to surpass the 350-run milestone in a single South African domestic T20 season.
The triumph marks consecutive titles for Western Province, underlining their sustained dominance in the professional era of South African women’s domestic cricket. Although the Lions fell short in the final after topping the round-robin standings, their determined defence of a small total highlighted the consistency that made them a formidable side throughout the campaign.
