Kerr special wraps up 4-1 series win for New Zealand

Amelia Kerr blasted her second T20I century (55-ball 105) and picked a brace to help New Zealand register a thumping 92-run victory over South Africa in the fifth T20I, and register a 4-1 series win, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, on Wednesday.

Put in to bat, New Zealand lost Isabella Gaze in the second over, but Kerr and Georgia Plimmer ensured a strong start for the hosts with a 45-run stand for the second wicket. Tumi Sekhukhune struck twice in two deliveries in the ninth over to send back Plimmer and Sophie Devine, but Kerr picked up her pace.

The New Zealand skipper put away Sune Luus and Sekhukhune for two boundaries each in successive overs, and kept the charge on in the company of Brooke Halliday. The duo put on a 73-run alliance - before Kerr blazed away in the death overs - which laid the foundation of New Zealand's 194 for 6, even though Ayabonga Khaka struck two late wickets.

In response, South Africa never looked the part in the chase. Lea Tahuhu and Devine blew away the top order, leaving the visitors reeling at 40 for 4 within the powerplay. Despite efforts from Annerie Dercksen to bring the innings back on track, there wasn't much success. She fell to Kerr on 23, and rest of the batting order too stumbled without any significant fightback as they were limited to 102 for 9.

For her all-round performance, Kerr was adjudged player of the match and the tournament.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 194/6 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 105, Georgia Plimmer 27; Ayabonga Khaka 3-32, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-32) beat South Africa 102/9 in 20 overs (Annerie Dercksen 23; Lea Tahuhu 3-15, Amelia Kerr 2-6) by 92 runs