Chloe Tryon has kept South Africa alive in the T20 series with a magnificent 34 off 16 balls. New Zealand won the toss and batted first, captain Sophie Devine again smashing 77 of just 57 balls and supported by Suzie Bates who scored 23 off 18 before being run out off a deflection from Dane Van Niekerk.
The concern for New Zealand is that once Bates and Devine depart, New Zealand has a very little left, I am sure other teams will be watching and any bowler bowling quicker than 115km will no doubt push Devine from the front foot to the back foot lessening her ability to get on the front foot.
New Zealand eventually limped to 153 for 5, South Africa has not scored 120 in the first two T20s needed someone to step up and in Dane Van Niekerk and Tryon they certainly did that with Van Niekerk chipping in with 42 off 40.
New Zealand’s bowling looks like it lacks plans when the pressure came on, yet again Amelia Kerr did not bowl in the power play, to be world-class she and New Zealand really need her to bowl at least one over in the power play when NZ is under pressure, Kerr bowled well but at times her team needs her to front when they are under the pump.
The series is alive with two games to go, South Africa has some momentum and will now I am sure play the best side they can, New Zealand if they had won may have been able to rest Devine or Bates, they can’t afford to do that now and the next game for both teams is crucial to keep trying to gain momentum for later this month.
Having watched India, Australia, and England in the last week, it’s very clear they are the top 3 teams and between South Africa, West Indies, and NZ one may make the Semi Finals, New Zealand in the pool of Death would be the big outsiders with Australia and India looking formidable!
Let’s see what happens in the next two T20s on Monday and Wednesday!
Brief Scores:
NZW 153/5 (20.0)
RSAW 154/5 (19.5) CRR: 7.76
Result: South Africa Women won by 5 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.