A career-defining innings from Maddy Green and a composed team performance sealed a crucial ODI series win for New Zealand over South Africa in Wellington, as the hosts claimed the three-match series 2-1 and strengthened their position at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship table.
Green was the undisputed star of the decider, producing a magnificent unbeaten 141 off 128 to guide New Zealand to a match-winning total of 300 after a disastrous start. Walking in as early as the third over with the score at 3 for 3, she anchored one of the most remarkable recoveries of the series. Reflecting on the early pressure, Green said, “Always ready, always ready. Probably a little bit earlier than I would have liked to be. I thought the African opening bowlers bowled really nicely.”
New Zealand’s top order had been dismantled quickly, with Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr all dismissed cheaply. At 3 for 3, the innings could easily have unravelled, but Green, alongside Brooke Halliday, steadied the ship with a match-defining partnership of 211 runs. Halliday’s 98 was equally vital, even if she fell agonisingly short of a deserved century.
Green described the challenge and the plan that turned the innings around, “The ball was moving around a little bit early, and they made it really tricky for us. It was probably not where you want to be. It was nice to have Brooke at the other end. She’s such a calm head. We just knew if we stuck in there and tried to absorb a bit of pressure early, and if we could get to that 30-over mark with not too many wickets down, we’d back the power in our lower order to be able to put on a really good total.”
That approach paid off in spectacular fashion. From a position of survival, New Zealand shifted gears dramatically, scoring 185 runs in the final 20 overs to surge to 300. The acceleration reflected the confidence within the side and their ability to adapt.
The series win carries significant weight beyond the immediate result. With ICC Women’s Championship points at stake, New Zealand’s 2-1 victory over a strong South African side who were finalists in multiple recent global tournaments has put them in a strong position for World Cup qualification. Emphasising the importance of the result, Green said, “You know, these ICC championship games are so important. So, yeah, to take the series against South Africa 2-1, get those points on the board for World Cup qualification for us is super important. And, yeah, South Africa are a really quality side. They’ve been in the last three finals of ICC events.”
The triumph also capped off a highly successful home season for New Zealand, who had earlier beaten South Africa 4-1 in the T20I series. Across both formats, the White Ferns have shown consistency, resilience, and the ability to recover from difficult situations. A major factor behind this upward trajectory has been the leadership of Kerr. Appointed captain just days before the season began, she has overseen a seamless transition while also delivering standout individual performances, including a match-winning 179* in the second ODI that levelled the series.
Green was full of praise for her captain’s impact, saying, “Melie’s got a great cricket brain, and, yeah, she’s slotted into this role pretty seamlessly, and she’s been part of the leadership group for the last few years now with Sophie (Devine) as captain, and learning off her as well.”
More than just a series win, this felt like a defining moment in New Zealand’s recent run. To recover from 3 for 3 and post 300 in a decider against a top side speaks volumes about their belief and adaptability.
Loves all things female cricket