The T20 World Cup warm-up match between South Africa Women and New Zealand Women proved to be an action-packed affair, with New Zealand securing a comprehensive 8-wicket victory. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who top-scored with 33, the Proteas struggled to make an impact as they were bowled out for a mere 92 runs. Key performances from New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr, who took 3 wickets apiece, paved the way for a successful chase by the White Ferns, led by Kerr (37) and Sophie Devine (35*).
First Innings: South Africa’s Struggles with the Bat
The match began with New Zealand winning the toss and electing to bowl first at the Sevens Stadium. It didn’t take long for the White Ferns to make an impact, as seamer Eden Carson (2/21) dismissed South African openers Tazmin Brits (0) and Anneke Bosch (5) in the very first over. South Africa found themselves in trouble early on, and the pressure continued to build when Chloe Tryon (2) was removed by a stunning one-handed catch from Suzie Bates off the bowling of Lea Tahuhu (1/28). At the end of the powerplay, South Africa was reeling at 24/3.
Laura Wolvaardt and Suné Luus attempted to stabilize the innings, but their partnership was short-lived. Amelia Kerr (3/13) struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both Luus (7) and Nadine de Klerk (11), leaving South Africa at 52/5 after 10 overs. Despite a brief recovery led by Annerie Dercksen (19) and Wolvaardt, the Proteas were unable to mount a significant total. Quick wickets from Kasperek (3/7) and a run-out on the last ball saw South Africa bowled out for just 92 runs.
Key Bowlers for New Zealand
The New Zealand bowlers were clinical throughout the South African innings. Leigh Kasperek’s sharp spin and Amelia Kerr’s all-around brilliance were pivotal in dismantling the Proteas’ batting order. Carson’s early strikes set the tone, and the White Ferns maintained their pressure, ensuring South Africa never got the breathing room to build any meaningful partnerships.
Second Innings: New Zealand’s Chase
Chasing a modest target of 93, New Zealand’s openers got off to a strong start. Bates and Amelia Kerr reached 37 without loss, making full use of the early overs. Nadine de Klerk’s brilliant run-out of Bates (17) provided some hope for the South Africans, but it was short-lived.
With 55 runs still required, Amelia Kerr found a reliable partner in captain Sophie Devine. The duo added 36 runs for the second wicket before Kerr was caught in the deep by Tumi Sekhukhune off Seshnie Naidu’s bowling. By this point, however, the damage had been done, and New Zealand needed only 28 more runs to secure the win.
Devine’s calm and composed innings of 35* ensured there were no further hiccups, as New Zealand reached the target with 5.3 overs to spare, winning the match by 8 wickets.
Proteas Women’s Performance
While Laura Wolvaardt played a gritty knock of 33 from 37 balls, she lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. The Proteas struggled to build partnerships, and their inability to counter New Zealand’s bowling attack ultimately led to their downfall. The middle-order collapse, coupled with early wickets, meant that South Africa was always playing catch-up, and they never managed to put up a competitive total.
In the bowling department, South Africa managed to take two wickets but failed to consistently trouble the New Zealand batters. While Naidu (1/12) and De Klerk’s run-out provided some consolation, the Proteas will need to sharpen their game as they continue their World Cup preparations.
FAQs
New Zealand Women won the match by 8 wickets.
South Africa was bowled out for 92 runs in their 20 overs.
Leigh Kasperek (3/7) and Amelia Kerr (3/13) starred with the ball, while Kerr (37) and Sophie Devine (35*) led the successful chase.
Laura Wolvaardt top-scored for South Africa with 33 runs from 37 balls.
South Africa will play their next warm-up match against India at the ICC Academy.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s dominant performance in this warm-up match showcased their readiness for the T20 World Cup. The White Ferns demonstrated their depth in both batting and bowling, with Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek standing out. For South Africa, this match highlighted several areas that need improvement, particularly in building partnerships and executing with the ball.
As the Proteas look ahead to their next warm-up match against India, they will be hoping to address their shortcomings and bounce back stronger. With key players like Wolvaardt and Luus in the mix, South Africa has the talent to compete at the highest level, but they will need to bring their A-game if they are to make an impact in the World Cup.
