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In the 4th T20I of the New Zealand Women‘s tour of South Africa 2023, the White Ferns secured an impressive victory over their South African counterparts. Notably, the first three games of the five-match T20I leg produced no result due to persistent rain.
Laura Wolvaardt leads Proteas to a competitive total
After being asked to bat, South Africa posting a competitive total of 172/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Laura Wolvaardt was the top scorer, contributing 53 runs off 44 deliveries, featuring 8 boundaries.
Anneke Bosch and Sune Luus also made valuable contributions with 32 and 45 runs, respectively. Chloe Tryon provided a late flourish, smashing 22 runs from just 10 balls. In response, New Zealand Women’s bowling attack found wickets hard to come by, with Jess Kerr being the most successful bowler, picking up 2 wickets for 41 runs in her 4 overs.
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Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine drive New Zealand to victory
In pursuit of the target, New Zealand Women displayed exceptional batting prowess, reaching 174/2 in 18.5 overs to secure an eight-wicket victory. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine were the heroes of their innings, with Kerr posting a magnificent 70 not out from 46 balls, while Devine played a stellar knock of 61 runs off 37 deliveries. The pair’s partnership and explosive stroke play guided their team to an emphatic win.
South Africa Women’s bowlers faced a tough challenge against the rampant New Zealand Women’s batting. Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune managed to pick up a wicket each, but the Kiwi batsmen were largely untroubled. Kerr’s all-around performance was pivotal to New Zealand’s success, and her standout display earned her the Player of the Match award.
With this victory, New Zealand Women have taken a 1-0 lead in T20I series. Both teams will now be looking forward to the fifth and final game, which will take place at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Sunday.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.