New Zealand Women tour of South Africa - Series Digest

October 14, 4th T20I

After three washouts in East London, we finally had a completed T20I between South Africa and New Zealand in Benoni, where New Zealand won by eight wickets after a terrific run-chase by the seasoned pair of Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr. The pair put on a century stand and scored individual fifties to ensure a comfortably successful run-chase of a competitive target.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, despite the early wicket of Tazmin Brits, a 59-run stand off just 37 balls between Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch set the foundation for a sizeable total. Once Bosch was knocked over by Penfold and Wolvaardt fell after reaching her fifty, Sune Luus and Chloe Tyrone took over, hammering 52 runs in the final four, to post a competitive 172-4 in twenty overs.

In response, after a fluent start, New Zealand lost Suzie Bates and Kate Anderson within the powerplay, with the required rate soaring over the run-rate. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine took over the chase and put on a commendable 135 runs in 79 balls to take them over the finish line, and give New Zealand a 1-0 lead after four matches, and one to go.