NewKerala.com

Sophie Devine's All-Round Show Powers NZ Women to 2-1 Series Lead

New Zealand Women secured a six-wicket victory over South Africa Women in the third T20I in Auckland. Chasing 150, the hosts were guided home by captain Amelia Kerr's 30 and a match-winning, unbeaten 55 from Sophie Devine, who also took two wickets. South Africa's total of 149/7 was built on contributions from captain Laura Wolvaardt and Kayla Reyneke. The win gives New Zealand a 2-1 lead in the five-match series ahead of the final two fixtures.

Key Points: NZ Women Beat SA by 6 Wickets, Devine Stars in 3rd T20I

  • Devine named Player of the Match
  • NZ chase 150 with 8 balls left
  • Series lead now 2-1 for NZ
  • Crucial knocks from Green and A. Kerr
2 min read

3rd T20I: Sophie Devine stars as New Zealand Women beat South Africa Women by six wickets

Sophie Devine's unbeaten 55 and 2/21 leads New Zealand Women to a six-wicket win over South Africa, taking a 2-1 lead in the T20I series.

3rd T20I: Sophie Devine stars as New Zealand Women beat South Africa Women by six wickets
"Sophie Devine's unbeaten 55 off 38 balls... helped their side to reach the target in 18.4 overs."

Auckland, March

New Zealand Women defeated South Africa Women by six wickets in the third T20I of the five-match series on Friday in Auckland.

Chasing the target of 150 set by South Africa Women, New Zealand Women paced their innings efficiently, with key contributions from batters that ensured the visitors struggled to regain momentum during the chase.

New Zealand's bowlers had earlier restricted South Africa Women to a decent total by picking wickets at crucial intervals and maintaining tight lines throughout the innings.

With this victory, New Zealand Women moved closer to sealing the series, taking a strong 2-1 lead in the five-match contest. New Zealand Women's Sophie Devine was named Player of the Match

Coming to the match, the Proteas Women were restricted to 149/7 in 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt (37 off 39 balls, with three fours) and an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls, with five boundaries by Kayla Reyneke, helped the visitors post a decent total on board.

For the hosts, Jess Kerr (1/30) and Rosemary Mair (1/32) scalped one wicket apiece. Sophie Devine (2/21) and Suzie Bates (2/10) took two wickets each.

Chasing, White Ferns captain Amelia Kerr made 30 off 28 balls, with four boundaries. However, Sophie Devine's unbeaten 55 off 38 balls, with six fours and one six and Maddy Green, who remained not out on 34 off 25 balls, with two fours and one six, helped their side to reach the target in 18.4 overs.

With this victory, New Zealand Women moved closer to sealing the series, taking a strong 2-1 lead in the five-match T20I series. South Africa Women will now aim to bounce back in the remaining fixtures to stay in contention.

The fourth T20I will be held at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 22, followed by the fifth and final fixture at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 25.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good chase by NZ. 150 is a tricky target in women's T20. South Africa's bowling lacked penetration in the middle overs, that's where they lost it. Our Indian women's team would have probably chased this down too, but credit to Devine for finishing the game.
A
Aman W
Enjoyed the match highlights. The partnership between Devine and Green was clinical. It's great for the sport that series like these are so closely fought. Makes me excited for the next Women's T20 World Cup!
S
Sarah B
Respectful criticism: The article could have given a bit more detail on the fielding efforts or a key moment that shifted momentum. The scorecard summary is good, but the narrative of the game's flow is a bit missing. Still, a solid win for NZ!
K
Karthik V
Suzie Bates with figures of 2/10 in 4 overs! That's some seriously economical bowling. The experience in the NZ side is showing. SA will have to come back hard in Wellington. Hope the pitches for the last two games are good for batting.
N
Nisha Z
Well played, White Ferns! 👏 Devine is a proper match-winner. As a cricket fan from Mumbai, I appreciate seeing these international series covered. It's important for the growth of the women's game globally. Let's go, more power to women in sports!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50