In the 1st T20I of the bilateral series between South Africa Women and Pakistan Women, Kayla Reyneyke, the former South Africa Under-19 captain and debutant, had announced herself on the big stage with a match-winning all-round performance. She had a dream debut as she picked up two wickets in the first innings, and she saved her side from the jaws of defeat with a sensational knock under pressure. The youngster is being applauded by the cricketing fraternity for her ability to thrive under such huge circumstances.
Pakistan had won the toss, and they had decided to bat first. The Pakistan Women looked quite determined with the intent to score runs, but their batting unit failed miserably. They lost 6 wickets for just 64 runs, credit to Hlubi, Mlaba, and Reyneke. The Proteas had, however, chased the target of 181 credit to a wonderful half-century from the skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, and a fine hand from Luus to give them a good start. Wolvaardt had scored 61 off 38 balls, including 8 fours and a six, and Luus had scored 32 off just 20 balls, but both of them were outdone by the brilliance of Nashra Sandhu.
Kayla Reyneyke had finished off in style with a fine cameo at the end, scoring 29 off just 16 balls, including a boundary and 3 sixes. They required 10 runs off the last over to win, and she scored two boundaries to get her side over the line in their highest T20I runchase ever. The South Africa Women had won the match by 5 wickets to take the lead in the series, 1-0.
“Kayla Reyneke has always been a talent to watch. She has recently shown clear growth in both her skill set and maturity in her game. This selection is a nod to her consistent progress and allows her to showcase what she can do at an international level.” said Clinton du Preez, the convenor of selectors.
Kayla Reyneke played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan with her 2 for 13 in four overs, including the wickets of opener Gull Feroza for 13 and Pervaiz. She played a gem of an innings with an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls, including the winning runs to secure the Player of the Match award. In the final ball, two runs were required, and Reyneke dispatched the ball for six over extra cover to get her side over the line. It is safe to say that with the T20I World Cup just around the corner, Reyneke has started to make a strong case for herself to find a spot in a power-packed South Africa Team.
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