The Proteas Women have beaten New Zealand by four wickets to take a one-nil lead in the three-match ODI series, at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Sunday, 24 September, 2023.
Half-centuries from captain Laura Wolvaardt and all-rounders Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk ensured South Africa chased down 236 for victory with relative ease, despite losing early wickets.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to field first.
New Zealand faced an early setback when Suzie Bates was run out for just 1 run in the third over, courtesy of a sharp fielding effort by Tazmin Brits.
The Proteas’ formidable bowling attack kept the pressure on, with Sophie Devine departing for 5 in the 7th over, bowled by Marizanne Kapp. At the 10-over mark, New Zealand found themselves at 23/2.
As the innings progressed, South Africa’s bowlers continued to dominate. Nadine de Klerk removed Maddie Green for 5 in the 12th over, followed by Masabata Klaas dismissing Amelia Kerr for 22 on the last ball of the 15th over. New Zealand was in deep trouble at 38/4, facing an uphill battle.
The visitors began a commendable rebuilding effort, but South Africa struck once again, with Ayabonga Khaka trapping Georgia Plimmer LBW for 12 in the 20th over. At the halfway point, New Zealand were at 55/5, still facing a challenging task.
Brooke Halliday and Hannah Rowe displayed exceptional resilience, staging a remarkable fightback for New Zealand. Halliday’s outstanding performance, including a well-deserved half-century, and her 117-run partnership for the 6th wicket with Hannah Rowe showcased New Zealand’s fighting spirit. At the 40-over mark, they stood at 156/5, displaying remarkable tenacity.
In a final push, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 233/8, thanks to vital contributions from Jess Kerr (19*) and Isabelle Gaze (26*). The pivotal 6th-wicket partnership of 117 runs in 135 balls between Halliday (76) and Rowe (52) set the stage for this impressive recovery.
From a bowling perspective, Masabata Klaas led the charge for the Proteas Women with figures of 3/60 (9), while Nadine de Klerk contributed significantly with 2/34 (9).
Proteas Women Mount the Chase
In response, South Africa faced early jolts as Jess Kerr’s strikes left them reeling at 26/2 after 6 overs. Tazmin Brits (4) and Lara Goodall (2) were both dismissed, putting the hosts on the back foot.
Chasing 236 for victory, the Proteas Women exhibited determination and resilience. After 10 overs, they were at 38/2, showing a fighting spirit.
The partnership of Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp proved crucial in stabilising the innings after the loss of Luus. They reached 80/3 after 20 overs, inching closer to the target.
Wolvaardt’s stellar performance, reaching a well-earned half-century from 75 balls, further bolstered South Africa’s charge.
As the match entered its decisive phase, South Africa faced some turbulence, losing crucial wickets. However, a resilient sixth-wicket partnership between Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, unbroken and half-century strong, kept their hopes alive. After 40 overs, they were at 178/5.
In a remarkable display of composure and skill, both Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon reached their respective half-centuries. With just 20 runs needed from 30 balls, South Africa’s run chase gained momentum. At 45 overs, they stood at 216/5, on the brink of a thrilling victory.
Chloe Tryon’s explosive 71 from 58 balls, embellished with 11 fours, ended with just 2 runs to get. Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 58 from 77 balls, including 4 fours, provided the essential anchor. Their 124-run partnership off 116 balls for the sixth wicket sealed South Africa’s stunning four-wicket victory.
This victory is a testament to the never-say-die attitude of the Proteas Women, showcasing their mettle in the face of adversity. The crowd at JB Marks Oval witnessed a cricketing spectacle that will satisfy them on this Heritage Day long weekend.
#AlwaysRising #GoGirls
Photo Caption: Bowlers unite! Two-wicket striker Nadine de Klerk – also Player of the Match when her excellent batting innings of 58* off 77 balls was taken into account – congratulates Masabata Klaas on her three-wicket haul, the two combining with the SA bowling attack to limit visitors New Zealand to 235 all out, before the SA batters achieved the asking title comfortably for a 1-nil lead in the three-ODI ICC Women’s Championship. Photo: Cricket South Africa on X
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