The 2nd ODI of the South Africa Women’s tour of New Zealand 2026 in Wellington unfolded as a high-scoring thriller, delivering one of the most gripping chases in recent women’s cricket. With momentum swinging throughout the contest, both teams produced quality batting displays, but it was New Zealand Women who held their nerve in the closing moments to seal a dramatic two-wicket win with just two balls to spare.
South Africa Women began their innings with intent, looking to capitalise on a good batting surface. However, they lost an early wicket when Tazmin Brits struggled to find rhythm and departed for 9 off 23 balls, caught off Bree Illing. Laura Wolvaardt, anchoring the innings with elegance, found a reliable partner in Anneke Bosch.
The duo stitched together a crucial 167-run partnership for the second wicket, stabilising the innings after the early setback. Wolvaardt’s composed 69 off 74 balls, laced with 8 boundaries, set the tone before she fell to Illing. Bosch, on the other hand, played a more aggressive role, bringing up a fluent 91 off 90 deliveries, including 12 fours, before she was dismissed by Jess Kerr.
The middle overs saw Sune Luus and Sinalo Jafta continue the momentum with a valuable stand. Luus contributed 40 off 43 balls, while Jafta added a brisk 37 from 29 deliveries, keeping the run rate healthy. Chloe Tryon provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 52 off just 25 balls, striking at over 200. Nadine de Klerk chipped in with a quick 18 off 11, and Kayla Reyneke remained not out on 9, pushing South Africa Women to an imposing 346/6 in their 50 overs. Extras also played a role, contributing 21 runs.
New Zealand’s bowling effort was led by Bree Illing, who picked up 3 wickets for 60 runs in her 10 overs, while Jess Kerr claimed 1/71. Kayley Knight added 2 wickets, and Amelia Kerr maintained control despite going wicketless. Although the bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, they managed to break key partnerships at crucial intervals.
Chasing a daunting target of 347, New Zealand Women had a shaky start. Suzie Bates fell early for 8, followed by Georgia Plimmer, who made 23, leaving the side at 73/2. The pressure intensified when Maddy Green was dismissed for 13, reducing them to 101/3. However, what followed was a masterclass in chasing under pressure.
Amelia Kerr stood tall amidst the chaos, delivering a sensational unbeaten 179 off 139 balls, an innings filled with 23 boundaries and remarkable composure. She found support from Brooke Halliday (14) and later, Isabella Gaze, who played a crucial knock of 68 off 48 balls. The partnership between Kerr and Gaze proved pivotal, keeping New Zealand in the hunt as the required rate climbed.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Izzy Sharp (11), Jess Kerr (14), and Rosemary Mair (2), the chase remained alive thanks to Kerr’s brilliance. Contributions from the lower order, including Kayley Knight’s calm presence at the end, ensured the game went down to the wire. New Zealand Women eventually reached 350/8 in 49.4 overs, completing a memorable chase.
South Africa’s bowling unit had its moments, with Ayabonga Khaka leading the attack with 3 wickets for 51 runs. Masabata Klaas supported well with 2/61, while Kayla Reyneke also picked up 2 wickets. However, the inability to contain Kerr in the middle overs proved costly.
This high-scoring encounter will be remembered for its intense match flow, remarkable partnerships, and Amelia Kerr’s match-winning knock. The thrilling finish highlighted the growing competitiveness and excitement in women’s ODI cricket, making it a standout game in the series.
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