Hosts South Africa remained unbeaten on the final day of the One Day International (ODI) section of the ICC Women’s Cricket Challenge in Potchefstroom, South Africa, as it beat the Netherlands by ten wickets with 194 balls remaining today (Tuesday).

This victory sees the South African side rise up from seventh place to fifth position in the Reliance Mobile ICC Women’s ODI team rankings, a table that is currently headed by the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009 winners, England.

South Africa could not have hoped for better weather when they won the toss and chose to field first on the final day of the ODI leg of the event, the 26-degree heat was cooled down by a fresh breeze allowing for perfect cricket playing and watching conditions.

The South African bowling attack couldn’t have hoped for a better start as they took apart the Netherlands batting line-up. Sunette Loubser was once again the pick of the bowlers, this time with 3-27, while Dane van Niekerk (2-21) and Marcia Letsoalo (2-26) provided the perfect balance of spin and seam bowling to skittle the Dutch side for 109-9 at the end of its allotted 50 overs.

South Africa’s reply was a quick and calculated show of batting skill with Shandre Fritz, who has seemingly found her form, returning unbeaten on 61 from 51 balls and Trisha Chetty (46 not out) complimenting her well with a steady batting performance. The batting duo led the side to a comfortable ten-wicket victory over the Dutch who remain rooted to the bottom of the rankings table at the conclusion of the ODI event.