Auckland’s Eden Park witnessed New Zealand women dominate South Africa in the third T20I of the series, securing a six-wicket triumph to surge ahead 2-1. The hosts chased down 150 in style, reaching 152 for 4 in 18.4 overs.
The star of the chase was undoubtedly Sophie Devine, whose unbeaten knock of 55 runs came off 38 balls, laced with six boundaries and a maximum. Her partnership of 84 runs with Maddie Green’s 34 proved decisive. Skipper Amelia Kerr laid the foundation with a brisk 30.
South Africa’s innings began disastrously, slumping to 9 for 2. Captain Laura Wolvaardt steadied the ship, partnering with Neri Thrasher for 51 runs. Thrasher’s aggressive 27 off 18 included two fours and two sixes, but she fell when the score was 60.
Regular wickets tumbled thereafter. Wolvaardt’s 37 off 39 ended via a sharp run-out by Amelia Kerr. Kayla Reyneke then unleashed 34 not out from 20 balls, blasting three sixes and two fours to push the total to 149 for 7.
With both bat and ball shining – 2/21 – Sophie Devine earned Player of the Match honors. Excitement builds for Sunday’s fourth clash as New Zealand eyes series victory.