The Proteas Women will be looking to build on their dramatic opening victory when they face New Zealand in the second ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) one-day international (ODI) at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday.
The day game will get underway at midnight (SAST) and will be showcased live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch. 201).
South Africa head into the encounter with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following a thrilling two-wicket win in Christchurch, where an unbeaten 42 from Kayla Reyneke, including a last-ball six, sealed victory for the visitors.
Reflecting on the result, Luus, who is set to become only the second South African woman to reach 150 ODI caps, highlighted the significance of the performance, particularly the impact of the younger players in high-pressure moments.
“It’s great signs for the future of South African cricket. It’s awesome just to see the players come in and just flourish like that. I think when we were younger, I can’t remember being that confident or just coming in and hitting sixes for fun.
"It’s really awesome to see how the women’s game has grown and how Kayla just took responsibility and earned it.”
The Proteas were also boosted by a match-winning bowling display from Ayabonga Khaka, who claimed a career best six wickets to play a pivotal role in dismissing the White Ferns for 268.
“She took wickets at crucial times. She’s been a senior bowler for us for a very long time and always takes responsibility and loves a good challenge. I’m very happy for her. It’s a great milestone to get a six-fer.
“Hopefully, she can just continue picking up all the wickets for the next couple of games.”
With the bat, South Africa’s recovery was underpinned by a crucial middle-order stand between Luus (53) and Annerie Dercksen (72) worth 123 runs, which steadied the innings after an early wobble.
“Derckie is an interesting one to bat with. I don’t think she takes it very seriously. It was fun to bat with her. When she’s in, the runs are just flowing. She’s a very powerful hitter of the ball.
"I think we were cruising when we came in, batting at a run-a-ball together. It was just important for us to stay calm and to have that long partnership, and just to take it as deep as possible.
“Obviously, we know that the longer you bat, the better it gets. If you’re there at the end, you know you have a better chance of winning. I’m glad we could take it deep. Hopefully, tomorrow we can just have someone in the top four stay there at the 40th over and just reach those goals again.”
With important ICC Women’s Championship points at stake, the Proteas Women are fully aware of the significance of the series as they continue their qualification campaign for the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
“Very valuable. I think any point at this point in time is very crucial. You don’t want to be going to qualifiers, and you don’t want to leave it up to chance as well, relying on other teams. Every game is very crucial for us, and tomorrow will be no different.”
Proteas Women’s ODI Squad against New Zealand
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions).
Fixtures (all times are SAST)
ICC Women’s Championship ODI Series
2nd IWC ODI - Wednesday, 1 April at midnight
New Zealand v South Africa - Basin Reserve, Wellington
3rd IWC ODI - Saturday, 4 April at midnight