South Africa continued their unbeaten run after beating hosts New Zealand by two wickets in a thrilling league stage match at the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Thursday.
Seamers Ayabonga Khaka (3/31), Shabnam Ismail (3/27) and Marijane Cup (2/44) led with the ball as the Proteas bowled out New Zealand for 228 despite skipper Sophie Devine’s 93.
Laura Wolvaardt (67) and captain Sune Luss (51) then hit half-centuries before the cup (34 not out) ensured South Africa crossed the line for their fourth win of the tournament.
South Africa thus consolidated their second place on the points table, while New Zealand, who have won just two out of five, remain in fourth place and need to win their remaining two matches to make it to the semi-finals. Will be
Chasing the target of 229 runs, Lizelle Lee (17) and Wolvaardt made a positive start for South Africa. But some hesitation in running between the wickets cost him his former wicket.
However, Wolvaardt remained undeterred and kept searching for boundaries. She was lucky on a couple of occasions and, taking a dropped catch, nearly dragged her to her own stump, but chased down with Luss.
Amelia Kerr (3/50) trapped Wolvaardt leg in her next over before dismissing Mignon du Preez (1) in the 36th over, ending an 88-run partnership between the opener and Luce.
When Luss was caught by Katie Martin in the 41st over, the Proteas seemed to be losing momentum as New Zealand continued to take wickets. But Kapp stayed on one end and kept breaking boundaries when needed.
Earlier, Devine hit 12 fours and a six in his 101-ball knock as his 81-run partnership with Amelia Kerr (42) and 80 with Maddie Green (30) formed the backbone of New Zealand’s innings.
But when Devine was bowled by Khaka in the 41st over, the hosts suffered a late setback. New Zealand lost their last six wickets for just 30 runs and were all out in the 48th over.
Devine and Kerr looked solid and added 81 runs for the second wicket, until Lewis (1/48) interfered with Kerr’s big wicket.
Luce had New Zealand’s number three trap leg and veteran batsman Amy Satterthwaite (1) fell to Khaka in the next over as the Proteas quickly gained the upper hand.
Devine then fell to a beautiful blueprint yorker and then fell to rot as South Africa cleared New Zealand’s tail to ensure their winning goal was not too high.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 238 all out in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 93, Amelia Kerr 42; Shabnim Ismail 3/27, Aybonga Blueprint 3/31)
South Africa 229 for 8 in 49.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 67, Sune Luce 51; Amelia Kerr 3/50).
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