The first ODI between hosts New Zealand and South Africa at the Hagley Oval was an absolute cliffhanger that set the tone for this series perfectly. The hosts posted a competitive 268, largely thanks to a brilliant 85 from Maddy Green and a solid all-round contribution from Amelia Kerr. However, South Africa’s chase was a masterclass in resilience. Despite a mid-innings wobble after Annerie Dercksen’s gritty 72, debutant Kayla Reyneke turned into the hero of the night, smashing a six off the very last ball to seal a two-wicket win. It was a heart-wrenching loss for New Zealand, who seemed to have the game in hand, but South Africa’s ability to hold their nerve under immense pressure has given them a 1-0 lead heading into the second match.
Squads:
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Amelia Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon
Players to watch out:
Maddy Green
Maddy Green was the standout performer for New Zealand, anchoring the innings with a composed 85 off 83 deliveries. Her knock was the highest of the match, featuring 9 boundaries and a healthy strike rate of 102.40, showing her ability to rotate strike and find the gaps under pressure. It was a classic middle-order masterclass that gave New Zealand a solid foundation to work with.
Annerie Dercksen
Annerie Dercksen fought hard for South Africa, putting together a resilient 72 from 93 balls. While her strike rate of 77.41 was more measured, she played a crucial role in keeping the scoreboard ticking with 8 fours. Her half-century was a testament to her grit, as she navigated New Zealand’s bowling attack to keep her side in the contest for as long as possible.
Ayabonga Khaka
Ayabonga Khaka produced a sensational spell of pace bowling, tearing through the opposition to claim a career-best 6 for 56. Delivering a full quota of 10 overs with one maiden, she maintained an impressive economy of 5.60 and an incredible strike rate of 10.00. Her ability to pick up wickets at regular intervals proved why she is one of the most dangerous opening bowlers in the international circuit today.
Amelia Kerr
Amelia Kerr showed her typical class and control, finishing her 10-over spell with figures of 2 for 31. She was remarkably economical, conceding just 3.10 runs per over and stifling the South African batters with a tight line and length. With one maiden and two wickets, she once again proved to be the reliable engine room of the New Zealand bowling department.
Pitch:
The Basin Reserve is a seamer’s paradise, known for its green surface and significant pace. Expect plenty of carry and early movement for the fast bowlers; however, if the top order survives the new ball, the pitch often flattens out into a reliable batting deck.
Weather:
The forecast is partly sunny with a high of 15°C and a low of 11°C. With only a 10% chance of rain and a light 6 mph breeze, conditions should remain stable for a full day of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Jess Kerr, Izzy Sharp, Laura Wolvaardt, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayabonga Khaka, Kayla Reyneke, Chloe Tryon
Match Details:
Date – April 01, 2026
Time – 3:30 AM IST
Venue – Basin Reserve, Wellington
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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