South Africa Women drew level in the T20I series with an 18-run victory over New Zealand in the second match at Hamilton on Tuesday, March 17. A disciplined bowling display from Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba proved decisive as they combined to claim seven wickets while defending a total of 177.
New Zealand appeared well placed during the chase, reaching 70/2 with Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine guiding them through a productive Powerplay. The momentum shifted when Mlaba trapped Kerr lbw, and Nadine de Klerk followed up by dismissing Devine in the next over.
With the run rate climbing, New Zealand required 90 from the final ten overs. Izzy Sharp attempted to keep the pursuit alive, but Khaka’s variation in pace made scoring difficult throughout her spells. Mlaba also maintained tight control, removing Suzie Bates in the 14th over, leaving Sharp short of support.
Sharp responded with a burst of boundaries, striking three consecutive fours off de Klerk in the 17th over to revive hopes. She nearly added another, but Sune Luus produced a sharp effort at the boundary, initially grabbing the ball before losing control while parrying it back. Chasing 36 from the final three overs, New Zealand were eventually bowled out with five deliveries remaining. Kerr later attributed the defeat to the inability to rotate strike effectively and find timely boundaries during the middle overs.
The turning point for South Africa came earlier in their innings, with Kayla Reyneke delivering a decisive late cameo to earn the Player of the Match award. Tazmin Brits had laid the foundation with an aggressive approach during the Powerplay, frequently finding gaps on the off side and scoring down the ground. She reached her half-century in the 11th over as South Africa moved to 100/1, appearing well placed for a much larger total.
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However, her dismissal triggered a brief collapse, with the score slipping from 110/1 to 120/4. Seeking a strong finish, Reyneke stepped up in the final over against Devine, launching three successive sixes by reading the change of pace and targeting deliveries in her hitting arc. The late surge, along with a valuable stand with Laura Wolvaardt, ultimately proved crucial in setting a challenging target.
Reflecting on her approach, Reyneke said: “It is not the name, but the bowler. The ball. I was just watching the ball, trying to clear the boundaries.”
Brief Scores:
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- South Africa Women 177/5 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 53, Laura Wolvaardt 43*, Amelia Kerr 2-29, Jess Kerr 2-34)
- New Zealand Women 159 all out in 19.1 overs (Amelia Kerr 32, Izzy Sharp 29, Ayabonga Khaka 4-27, Nonkululeko Mlaba 3-27)
South Africa Women won by 18 runs.
