New Zealand wrapped up the ODI series with a strong win over South Africa in the third and final match, also earning important points in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029.
The White Ferns won by 66 runs in Wellington, which helped them climb to the top of the points table with 10 points from six matches. South Africa, meanwhile, are placed third with six points.
After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first and got off to a dream start. Ayanda Hlubi and Tumi Sekhukhune put New Zealand under early pressure, reducing them to just 3 for 3 in under four overs. Captain Melie Kerr, who had starred in the previous match, was dismissed for a golden duck.
Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday put a 211 run-stand
However, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday turned things around with a brilliant partnership. The duo added 211 runs for the fourth wicket, which is the highest such stand for New Zealand in women’s ODIs, taking the team past 200 before the 40th over.
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Halliday narrowly missed out on a century, getting out for 98, just two runs short. Green, on the other hand, played a superb knock, remaining unbeaten on 141 off 128 balls, hitting 15 boundaries. It was her highest score in ODI cricket.
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South Africa's chase
In reply, South Africa started well, thanks to a solid opening from captain Laura Wolvaardt (69) and Annerie Dercksen (47). But once both batters were dismissed in the middle overs, the innings lost momentum.
The team couldn’t recover from there, as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. Rosemary Mair was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 5 wickets for 50 runs, which is her first five-wicket haul in ODIs.
With this victory, New Zealand sealed the ODI series 2-1. They had also dominated the T20I series earlier, winning it 4-1.