Sophie Devine delivered a commanding all-round performance to guide New Zealand women's cricket team to a six-wicket win over South Africa women's cricket team, securing a 2-1 lead in the T20I series.
Devine first played a key role with the ball, claiming 2 for 21 to help restrict South Africa to 149 for 7 on a surface that offered assistance to seamers. Despite contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (37) and a late surge from Kayla Reyneke (34*), the visitors lost momentum through the middle overs, going 38 deliveries without a boundary.
Annerie Dercksen provided early impetus with aggressive strokeplay, but her dismissal triggered a collapse that saw South Africa lose 59 for 5 between the eighth and 18th overs. Suzie Bates also played a crucial role with the ball, finishing with 2 for 10 to keep the scoring in check.
Chasing 150, New Zealand found themselves under pressure at 70 for 3, with the game finely balanced. However, Devine took control in emphatic fashion. Accelerating from 13 off 10 to a match-winning 59 not out, she dominated the chase with powerful hitting, particularly on the leg side.
Her partnership with Maddy Green steadied the innings before Devine’s late assault ensured New Zealand comfortably reached the target. The chase was ultimately sealed in unusual fashion, with a series of no-balls from South Africa underlining their struggles with discipline.
With two matches remaining, New Zealand now hold the advantage in the series, thanks largely to Devine’s brilliance. Her ability to influence the game with both bat and ball proved decisive, reinforcing her status as one of the premier all-rounders in women’s cricket.
