The Proteas Women have taken a 1-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, thanks to a thrilling two-wicket victory at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Young Kayla Reyneke was the hero, smashing a six off the final ball of the innings to seal the win.
Reyneke, who was making her ODI debut, finished unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls, with three fours and two sixes. She was supported by Nadine de Klerk, who scored 39, as the two middle-order batters put together a 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket to resurrect the Proteas innings.
Proteas Women’s Batting Performance
Annerie Dercksen and Sune Luus had set up the chase with a 123-run partnership for the third wicket, with both batters reaching their half-century. However, the White Ferns struck back with two crucial wickets, including Dercksen’s for 72 off 93 balls and Luus’s for 53 off 72 balls.
Key Contributions
The Proteas required 14 runs off the final over, and Reyneke stepped up to smash two maximums, including the winning heave off Suzie Bates’ final ball. Ayabonga Khaka was also impressive with the ball, taking a career-best 6/56, including the wicket of Maddy Green, who scored 85 off 83 balls for the White Ferns.
The Proteas’ death bowling was a concern, with New Zealand scoring 92 runs in the final 10 overs. However, Khaka’s performance helped to restrict the hosts to 268 all out, a total that the Proteas were able to chase down.
- Kayla Reyneke: 42* off 32 balls (3×4, 2×6)
- Annerie Dercksen: 72 off 93 balls
- Sune Luus: 53 off 72 balls
- Ayabonga Khaka: 6/56
- Maddy Green: 85 off 83 balls
According to Wikipedia, the ICC Women’s Cricket rankings will be updated after the series, and a win for the Proteas could see them move up the table.
