Source: Radio New Zealand
Sophie Devine led the charge for the White Ferns in Wellington, scoring a 23rd T20 international half-century. Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
The White Ferns have clinched the T20 international series against South Africa with a game to spare, after a commanding six-wicket win in the fourth match in Wellington.
Batter Sophie Devine starred with a rapid innings of 64 off just 34 balls, as New Zealand chased down the 160-run target with nine balls remaining.
Devine blasted 10 boundaries, including four sixes, as the New Zealand women completed a record T20 run chase on home soil.
The veteran’s 23rd T20 half century drew praise from captain Melie Kerr for leading the way.
“Soph was outstanding and to win with more than an over to spare was outstanding,” Kerr said.
Batting first, South Africa scored 159/6 from 20 overs, with Annerie Dercksen setting up the significant total in a quickfire 55 runs off 32 balls.
Despite the Proteas’ powerful batting late in their innings, the Proteas were undoubtedly let down by a woeful effort in the field.
A series of dropped catches saw the White Ferns’ big guns, Devine and Kerr, let off the hook.
“When you give chances to batters like Devine, you are going to regret it,” South African captain Laura Wolvaardt said.
“We’re going to have to go back to the drawingboard, be better and have that World Cup in mind.”
New Zealand bowler Jess Kerr took a career-best 3/16 off her four overs in a player-of-the-match performance.
The final T20 of the five-game series is scheduled for Christchurch on Wednesday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
