It is all to play for in tomorrow’s last T20 International between South Africa and New Zealand at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
If the White Ferns win, they take the series 2-0, if the Proteas win, the series is shared 1-1.
This after New Zealand’s comfortable eight-wicket victory in today’s match. The visitors finished on 174 for two, with seven balls remaining. Earlier South Africa scored 172 for four after being sent in to bat by New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.
Protea captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted afterwards it wasn’t the outcome they wanted.
“It is really frustrating to be on the wrong side of the result today. We have a quick turnaround to tomorrow and we need to quickly talk it through and figure out where we went wrong.”
On her own performance with the bat (53 of 44 balls), she said:
“There was probably a phase where I was batting where I could’ve gone a little bit faster. I think 180 would’ve been ideal. In the last 10 overs we didn’t execute as well as we’d like, we had the plans in the field and we didn’t bowl according to what we set.”
Devine, who contributed 61 runs to the 135-run partnership with Amelia Kerr, said it was nice to be able to play cricket under some sunshine after rain washed out the first three matches in East London.
“I’m really proud of the team today. I thought 170 was a great score from South Africa and the way we chased it, is probably the blueprint of how we want to play. I thought it was a good cricket wicket. There was enough in it for the bowlers, you had to work hard but with the bat, I think once you were in, you needed to cash in.”
Kerr was deservedly named as player of the match for her 70 of 46 deliveries. She was delighted with her performance.
“To be able to get out there today and get the win was special. It’s always nice when you bat with Sophie at the other end, knowing she can clear the rope makes your job a little easier. We are different players but as a partnership, we work really well together. We just knew our roles and strengths and it was about sticking to that. It paid off.”