South Africa won by 10 wickets
Bermuda 13 all out (18 overs, Sunette Loubser 6-1, Alicia Smith 2-1, Susan Benade 2-3)
South Africa 15-0 (0.4 overs) 


South Africa started their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign with an easy 10-wicket win over Bermuda at Stellenbosch University.

An excellent individual display from Sunette Loubser, who was left with incredible figures of 6-3 in just four overs, reduced their opposition, who were making their debut in this competition, to just 13 all out.

And it took just four legitimate balls for the hosts to knock off the runs required for victory.

Loubser said: “It’s obviously the start we wanted. For us this is the start of the 2009 World Cup. That’s the only reason why we’re playing.

“Our assistant coach said that we must play disciplined, team cricket. That’s the way we will be successful at the end of this tournament.”

Linda Mienzer, captain of Bermuda, was obviously disappointed by the result but remains proud of the fact her team are even playing at this event.

“I am extremely proud and our team is very proud to be here. Just a year and a half ago there was no women’s programme so we went to Canada and qualified to come here which is an achievement in itself” says Mienzer.

“In terms of women’s cricket in Bermuda, it has come a long way but we still have a long way to go.”

South Africa take on Papua New Guinea, at Van Der Stel Cricket Club, tomorrow and Loubser is very much looking forward to that game.

She said: “Once again we know nothing about the opposition tomorrow so we will go into that game with exactly the same mindset as today and play good aggressive cricket.”