Auckland witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions in the third T20 International as South Africa women battled to 149 for 7 in their 20 overs against New Zealand. Opting to bat first after skipper Laura Wolvaardt called right at the toss, the visitors endured a top-order collapse but mounted a gritty recovery.
Disaster struck early when the openers departed for a mere 9 runs, leaving the innings in tatters. Enter Wolvaardt and Neryth Dirksen, who forged a match-saving 51-run partnership for the third wicket. Dirksen’s entertaining 27 came off 18 balls, featuring two fours and two maximums, before she holed out at 60 runs.
The captain followed suit soon after, scoring a composed 37 from 39 balls, undone by a sharp run-out from Amelia Kerr. With the scoreboard reading modestly, Kayla Reyneke emerged as the hero at number seven. Her unbeaten 34 off 20 deliveries, built on three sixes and two boundaries, lifted the total significantly. The last five overs yielded 36 crucial runs, setting up an intriguing chase.
Sophie Devine led the Kiwi bowling attack with figures of 2-21 from three overs, supported brilliantly by Suzie Bates’ 2-10 in two overs. Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair chipped in with a wicket each, while Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu went wicketless.
Tied 1-1 in the five-match series, the winner here grabs a vital lead. This pre-World Cup series is a golden opportunity for both sides to sharpen their skills. New Zealand must now chase 150, but South Africa’s resilience suggests a tight finish ahead.