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Kayla Reyneke's Historic Debut: Six Seals Win & Record

South Africa's Kayla Reyneke hit a last-ball six to secure a thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand in her ODI debut. This performance made her the first woman in international cricket to win Player of the Match awards on debut in multiple formats, having also won it in her T20I debut earlier this year. She is only the fifth cricketer overall to achieve this milestone. The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Key Points: Reyneke Makes History with Debut Player of Match Awards

  • Final-ball six seals win
  • First woman with debut POTM in multiple formats
  • Fifth cricketer overall to achieve feat
  • Career-best 6-56 for Ayabonga Khaka
  • South Africa leads series 1-0
2 min read

Reyneke becomes first woman to win player of the match award on debut in multiple formats

Kayla Reyneke hits final-ball six on ODI debut, becoming first woman to win Player of the Match awards in multiple formats on debut.

"She then launched the final delivery over long-on to seal a two-wicket win for the Proteas. - Match Report"

Christchurch, March 29

South Africa all-rounder Kayla Reyneke capped her ODI debut with a last-ball six against New Zealand on Sunday, giving the Proteas a thrilling two-wicket win. In the process, Kayla has become the first woman in international cricket to win player of the match awards on debut in multiple formats.

Kayla, 20, had already claimed the honour on her T20I debut against Pakistan earlier this year in Potchefstroom, where she also struck a six off the final ball to secure victory for South Africa.

Her latest effort on ODI debut against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval makes her only the fifth cricketer overall to achieve the milestone after Elias Sunny (Tests and T20Is), Mustafizur Rahman (Tests and ODIs), Ben Foakes (ODIs and Tests) and Lungi Ngidi (Tests and T20Is).

With South Africa needing 14 runs from the final over, Kayla held her nerve alongside Tumi Sekhukhune. Suzie Bates was tasked with defending the total for New Zealand, and Kayla cleared the ropes on the third ball to reduce the equation to six off three balls.

She then launched the final delivery over long-on to seal a two-wicket win for the Proteas. Kayla finished unbeaten on 42 from 32 balls, a knock laced with three fours and two sixes.

Earlier, New Zealand were dismissed for 268, with Maddy Green top-scoring with 85. Amelia Kerr added 36 and Izzy Gaze 37, while South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka returned career-best figures of 6-56.

Chasing 269, South Africa slipped to 30/2 before Annerie Dercksen (72) and Suné Luus (53) rebuilt with a 123-run stand. Nadine de Klerk chipped in with 39, but Kayla's late hitting proved to be decisive. The second ODI will be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on April 1, with South Africa holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
This is the kind of fearless cricket we love to see. Holding your nerve in the final over on debut shows amazing temperament. The future of women's cricket looks very bright with players like Kayla.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from the US, I find these stats fascinating. Being only the fifth cricketer ever to do this, and the first woman, is a huge deal. The pressure in those final moments must have been immense. Great story!
R
Rohit P
While this is a fantastic individual feat, let's not forget the team effort. Dercksen and Luus set up the chase with that big partnership. Khaka's 6-wicket haul was crucial too. Cricket is always a team game at heart.
K
Kavya N
Wow! Just 20 years old and making history. It's inspiring for young girls everywhere who want to take up sports. We need more coverage of women's cricket like this in India too. 🏏
M
Michael C
The composure under pressure is what stands out. Needing 14 off the last over and finishing it with a six takes serious skill and nerve. A star is born in international cricket.

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