Sophie Devine was in outstanding form for New Zealand, securing the team a 2-0 lead over South Africa in the ongoing five-match T20I series. Having been beaten 3-0 in the ODI leg of the contest, this five-wicket victory to follow the equally convincing one on Sunday must create a better feeling in the New Zealand Camp.
It was set up by a bowling performance that allowed only three South African batters into double figures. Lea Tahuhu was crucial, her four overs going for only 10 runs while also capturing the wickets of the captain Dane van Niekerk for 25 and the big-hitting Chloe Tryon for a duck. Mignon du Preez provided the only resistance to New Zealand, hammering 40 runs off only 26 balls. South Africa slumped from 94 for 3 in the 14th over to 119 all out.
After a shaky start to the chase – 27 for 2 – opener Sophie Devine took control with a rapid half-century – 61 off 43, with five sixes and three fours. Her efforts ensured New Zealand were in sight of victory by the 13th over and though a few more wickets fell after that, it was always going to be a comfortable chase with New Zealand winning by 5 wickets.
New Zealand now leads the 5 match T20I series 2-0 against Proteas Women. New Zealand will play their next game on 9th February 2020 at Wellington. With T20 World Cup round the corners, South Africa would be looking to regroup their unit and put their best show forward. On the other hand, New Zealand will be eyeing series victory in the upcoming T20 game.
Brief Scores
New Zealand women 120 for 5 (Devine 61, Khaka 2-24)
beat
South Africa women 119 all out (Du Preez 40, Tahuhu 2-10) by five wickets
Former Head-Coach of Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team. Mark has over 20 years of professional coaching experience with significant achievements in developing young team and individual player success, in the first class and International arena.