South Africa kept their winning momentum alive in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup after they managed to secure a two-wicket win against New Zealand in a thrilling contest played in Hamilton, on March 17 (Thursday). Notably, for the first time ever South Africa team won four consecutive Women's ODI World Cup matches. Earlier, New Zealand had to face a poor batting collapse as they lost six wickets within a span of just 30 runs. Eventually they managed to post a total of 228 runs in 47.5 overs. In reply, the South Africa team reached the target with just three balls remaining.
Davine's superb show
New Zealand skipper Sophie Davine played a brilliant innings of 93 runs off 101 balls to earn a good start for her side. Skipper Davine’s innings was comprised of 12 boundaries and 1 six. But apart from Davine only three other batters- Amelia Kerr (42 runs off 58 balls), Maddy Green (30 runs off 58 balls) and Brooke Halliday (24 runs off 29 balls), could manage to reach the double-digit mark. At one point New Zealand team were struggling at 198/4 in 40 overs and eventually they managed to score just 30 more runs losing their remaining six wickets.
For South Africa, their two pacers Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka picked up three wickets each. Apart from them, Marizanne Kapp scalped two wickets and skipper Sune Luus claimed one wicket.
The run-chase
In reply, South Africa lost their first wicket scoring 25 runs. But 108-ball partnership of 88 runs between Laura Wolvaardt (67 runs off 94 balls) and skipper Luus (51 runs off 73 deliveries) helped the South Africa team in avoiding the early threat. Previously, Wolvaardt played a crucial role in building another solid partnership of 48 runs off 73 balls, with Tazmin Brits (18 runs off 38 balls).
But after Wolvaardt’s dismissal, her side had to face a terrible batting order collapse as they lost five wickets scoring only 56 runs. Kapp managed to thwart the New Zealand bowlers as she scored 34 runs (not out) off 35 balls. She was later adjudged as the Player of the Match for her match-winning performance.
But eventually with six runs needed from the last over, South Africa batters needed just three balls to register a thrilling win.
South Africa are currently at second spot (8 points from 4 matches) in the World Cup standings as New Zealand are at fifth position (4 points from 5 matches).
