Devine powers Kiwis to victory over Proteas Women

An unbeaten half-century from Sophie Devine guided New Zealand to a six-wicket win over the Proteas Women in the third T20 International (T20I) at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, helping her side to a 2-1 series lead with two matches to play.

Devine struck six fours and one six in a knock of 55* off 38 balls, alongside Amelia Kerr (30) and Maddy Green (35*), as the White Ferns successfully chased down South Africa’s first-innings total of 149/7, which was inspired by Laura Wolvaardt (37) and Kayla Reyneke (34*).

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Proteas got off to a shaky start as both openers, Tazmin Brits (0) and Suné Luus (3), departed early off the bowling of Jess Kerr (1/30) and Rosemary Mair (1/32).

The innings was brought back on track by a 50-run partnership between Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen (27), with South Africa reaching 60/2 in the eighth over before the home side responded by taking wickets at regular intervals.

With Dercksen, Chloé Tryon (15), Nadine de Klerk (8), Wolvaardt and Sinalo Jafta (4) back in the dugout, Reyneke took centre stage with an explosive knock, including three sixes, to push the Proteas Women to a competitive total.

Suzie Bates (2/10) and Devine (2/21) were the standout bowlers for the hosts.

With bat in hand, the White Ferns were restricted to 42/2 in the PowerPlay, with Dercksen (1/17) and Ayanda Hlubi (1/31) striking early before Amelia Kerr and Devine stabilised the innings.

The pair added 30 runs for the third wicket before Amelia Kerr was trapped leg before wicket by Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/20), which was quickly followed by the departure of Brooke Halliday (2) thanks to a run-out that left New Zealand 68/4 after 10 overs.

That wicket proved to be the last moment of joy for the South Africans, as Devine combined effectively with Green in a match-winning 84-run stand, with the Player of the Match bringing up her 22nd T20I half-century.

The home side eventually reached the target with eight balls to spare to complete the chase and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

The fourth T20I will get underway on Sunday at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington.

Fixtures

T20I Series

First T20I Sunday, 15 March at 3.45am (SAST) - Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui - NZ won by 80 runs.

Second T20I Tuesday, 17 March at 3.45am (SAST) - Seddon Park, Hamilton - SA won by 18 runs

Third T20I Friday, 20 March at 3.45am (SAST) - Eden Park, Auckland - NZ won by six wickets

Fourth T20I Sunday, 22 March at 3.45am (SAST) - Sky Stadium, Wellington

Fifth T20I Wednesday, 25 March at 3.45am (SAST) - Hagley Oval, Christchurch

ICC Women’s Championship ODI Series

First ODI Sunday, 29 March at 3am (SAST) - Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Second ODI Wednesday, 1 April at Midnight (SAST) - Basin Reserve, Wellington

Third ODI Saturday, 4 April at Midnight (SAST) - Basin Reserve, Wellingtonchurch

Proteas Women Squad

Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans) (Captain), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions).

*Uncapped in ODI