On Thursday, New Zealand and South Africa locked horns against each other in the 16th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat.
New Zealand did not get off to the best of starts as they lost their opening batter Suzie Bates (4 runs off 7 balls) cheaply in the third over, thanks to a peach of a delivery by Shabnim Ismail. New Zealand’s run-machine in the recent past, Amelia Kerr (42 runs off 58 balls) joined hands with captain Sophie Devine to stitch an 83-run partnership for the second wicket. After the departure of Kerr, Amy Satterthwaite, who top scored for New Zealand in their last match against Australia did not have a great outing with the bat as she was out for one. Devine then combined with Maddy Green (30 runs off 58 balls) to put together 80 runs for the fourth wicket.
An outstanding knock comes to an end.
Massive wicket this. Khaka does it for South Africa.
Sophie Devine scores 93 Runs in 101 Balls#CWC22 #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/iuPIycu3iq
— Female Cricket #CWC22 (@imfemalecricket) March 17, 2022
Brooke Halliday also chipped in with a useful 29-ball 24 to help New Zealand go past the 200-run mark. Captain Devine top scored with a blistering 93 off 101 balls to lead the batting from the front. There were no major contributions from the lower order as New Zealand were bowled out for 228 in 47.5 overs. They lost the last six wickets in just 60 runs.
Mood in the South African camp right now #CWC22 #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/fhGy4zLdb1
— Female Cricket #CWC22 (@imfemalecricket) March 17, 2022
For South Africa, the twin pace sensations of Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka scalped three wickets apiece to wreak havoc with the ball. Ismail was the most economical bowler as she conceded just 27 runs in nine overs, including one maiden. Marizanne Kapp, who picked up a fifer against England in her last match struck with 2-44 in her 10 overs. Captain Sune Luus accounted for 1-48 in her eight overs. The South Africans had a great day on the field as they held onto their catches apart from just the one dropped chance.
New Zealand have set a target of 229 for South Africa. Can South Africa chase down the target and register the fourth straight win of their World Cup campaign? Or will New Zealand break South Africa’s three-match winning streak? Stay tuned to find out.
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