On Sunday, October 15, at the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni, South Africa women defeated New Zealand women by a score of 11 runs thanks in large part to Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk. While the first three T20I matches were postponed, New Zealand won the fourth one. The game’s skipper, Sophie Devine of New Zealand, selected the Proteas to bat first after winning the toss.
Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt opened the innings for South Africa, giving them a strong start. Before Lea Tahuhu removed Wolvaardt for just 24 runs, the pair were able to put together a partnership of more than 30 runs in just five overs. Following Anneke Bosch’s attempt to calm the innings, Molly Penfold sent the former back to the pavilion for 28 runs.
Brits, though, persevered for her team and scored a significant run despite missing a half-century by only five runs.
Before being dismissed by Tahuhu, she scored 45 runs off just 38 deliveries, including five boundaries and one maximum. South Africa then set a manageable goal of 155 runs in 20 overs thanks to Sune Luus’ undefeated 36.
During the chase, New Zealand also got off to a strong start. Masabata Klaas, who dismissed Kate Anderson for just 11 runs in the third over, gave South Africa their first success. Then Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr succeeded in forging a significant alliance. But in the 16th over, Nadine de Klerk struck, lbw dismissing Bates (45).
Kerr continued to bat for power and scored an important half-century for her team. She was unsuccessful, though, as South Africa restricted New Zealand by 144 runs in the allocated overs. The right-handed batter scored 61 runs, including nine fours, off just 47 balls.
For the home team, Klaas and Nadine were crucial. They finished with outstanding statistics of 3/26 and 3/24. Ayabonga Khaka added one more victim for the Wolvaardt-led side in addition to them.
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