Mehidy: We cannot see New Zealand as a weak side Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz emphasized that his team would not underestimate New Zealand despite the latter’s under-strength squad, while New Zealand’s Tom Latham highlighted his players’ domestic experience as a key factor in their approach to the upcoming three-match ODI series. Both leaders spoke ahead of the series opener, outlining their strategies and reflecting on their respective roles in the team’s development. Mehidy, who has led Bangladesh to two consecutive ODI series victories, stressed the importance of the upcoming match against New Zealand. “We cannot see New Zealand as a weak side,” he said. “We will try our hardest to get the result in our favour. For professional cricketers, every game is important; the chance to earn ranking points also gives it a little more importance. Winning the series against New Zealand would be a big achievement for us. I think the Bangladesh team is in good shape. The last two series wins also showed that we are bonding well as a team.” Latham, who has faced recent challenges in his career, focused on ensuring his players bring their domestic expertise to the series. He noted that while the New Zealand squad includes less-experienced players, they have prior exposure to international cricket. “I think the goal for us is for everyone to bring their own skill. We have a blueprint and a style that we like to play with, but we want guys to come in and play the way that they’ve played for their domestic sides back home in New Zealand. We know if they do that, then they’ll give themselves the best opportunity,” he said. Latham added that the New Zealand squad’s familiarity with international cricket, even if some players have limited match experience, would be an advantage.#new_zealand #bangladesh #taskin_ahmed #mehidy_hasan_miraz #tom_latham
Ben Lister Replaces Kristian Clarke in New Zealand's White-Ball Squads for Bangladesh Tour New Zealand have made a significant change to their white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, calling up left-arm seamer Ben Lister to replace injured all-rounder Kristian Clarke. The decision comes as Clarke is ruled out of the ODI and T20 series due to a hand injury sustained during a recent match. Lister, currently part of the New Zealand A squad in Sri Lanka, is expected to join the national team in Bangladesh on Sunday, ahead of the ODI series, which is set to begin in Mirpur on Friday. His inclusion marks a return to the national squad after over two years since his last appearance for the team. Clarke’s absence is attributed to a laceration to the webbing of his right hand, which occurred while attempting a catch for New Zealand A in their one-day match against Sri Lanka A earlier this week. The injury has forced the team to seek an alternative, and Lister’s experience as a seam bowler and lower-order batsman makes him a logical choice. The 32-year-old, who has previously represented New Zealand in limited-overs formats, will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage. Meanwhile, fast bowler Ben Sears has been left out of the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour. Sears, who has signed as a late replacement for Rawalpindiz in the Pakistan Super League, will not be included in the ODI squad. Instead, he is set to join the team for the T20I series, which is scheduled to begin in Chattogram on April 30. The absence of Sears in the ODI squad means the team will have to rely on other bowlers to fill the void, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the series.#new_zealand #mirpur #kristian_clarke #ben_listers #bangladesh_tour
New Zealand Squad Adjusted for Bangladesh Tour Amid Injury Concerns New Zealand has made a last-minute adjustment to its squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh, with fast bowler Ben Lister set to replace the injured Kristian Clarke. The change comes as Clarke withdrew from the team due to a hand injury sustained during a recent tour match against Sri Lanka A. Clarke, who had been part of the squad for the Bangladesh series, suffered a cut to the webbing on his right hand while attempting a catch, forcing him to step down from the selection. Lister, who has not played for the Black Caps in over two years, will now take his place in the squad for the ODI series, which begins on April 17. The decision to replace Clarke was necessitated by the severity of his injury, which has ruled him out of the tour. Lister, who has been on the Sri Lanka tour, will travel to Bangladesh on Sunday ahead of the ODI series, with the New Zealand-based team members departing for the country on Monday morning. The first two matches of the ODI series will be played in Mirpur, with the final game scheduled for Chattogram. Following the ODI series, the team will transition to the T20I series, with the first two matches set for Chattogram on April 27 and 29. The concluding match of the T20I series will take place in Dhaka on May 2. The squad shuffle highlights the challenges of maintaining player availability in a demanding international schedule. Clarke’s injury adds to the pressure on the coaching staff to balance experience with fresh talent, particularly as the Black Caps aim to secure a strong performance in Bangladesh. Lister’s inclusion brings a different dynamic to the team, leveraging his pace bowling skills to bolster the attack.#new_zealand #bangladesh #mirpur #ben_lister #kristian_clarke
Maddy Green Achieves 2000 ODI Runs in Historic Match Against South Africa On March 29, 2026, New Zealand’s middle-order batter Maddy Green made history at Hagley Oval in Christchurch by becoming the first woman to reach 2,000 ODI runs. The milestone came during a high-stakes first ODI against South Africa, where Green scored an impressive 85 off 83 balls in the first innings. Her innings, marked by nine boundaries, helped New Zealand post 268 all out in 50 overs. Despite the hosts’ efforts, South Africa secured a thrilling 2-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. For Green, the achievement was more than a personal triumph—it symbolized her enduring impact as a cornerstone of the White Ferns’ batting lineup. Green’s journey to this milestone has been defined by consistency and adaptability. Making her international debut in a T20I against Australia in Sydney on February 1, 2012, she transitioned smoothly to ODIs with her debut against the West Indies at Lincoln on February 26, 2014. Over the next decade, she became a vital asset for New Zealand, playing 92 ODIs and 81 innings. Her career totals of 2,066 runs at an average of 29.94 and a strike rate of 76.37 reflect her ability to both anchor and accelerate. Ten half-centuries and two centuries, including her career-best 122 against Ireland in Dublin on June 8, 2018, underscore her capacity to deliver under pressure. That innings, featuring 15 boundaries and a six, propelled New Zealand to a record 491/4, a crushing 347-run victory over Ireland. The match in Christchurch fit seamlessly into Green’s legacy as New Zealand’s middle-order anchor. Batting at number 4 in the first innings, she rebuilt the innings after early wickets, blending crisp drives and calculated placements to reach her 10th ODI half-century.#new_zealand #south_africa #white_ferns #hagley_oval #maddy_green
South Africa’s Young Stars Shine in Dramatic ODI Victory Over New Zealand South Africa’s women’s cricket team secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening match of a three-game ODI series, part of the ICC Women’s Championship. The win, achieved at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, highlighted the growing potential of the Proteas’ youthful squad and their ability to perform under pressure. The match marked a key moment in their campaign for direct qualification to the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The decisive moment came from 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke, who anchored South Africa’s innings with an unbeaten 42 off 47 balls, including a last-ball six that sealed the result. Her innings, combined with a resilient batting effort from the Proteas, ensured a narrow victory that showcased the team’s composure in high-stakes situations. “It’s great signs for the future of South African cricket,” said captain Sune Luus, reflecting on the performance. “It’s awesome to see the players come in and flourish like that. I can’t remember being that confident when I was younger.” Luus emphasized the importance of the young players’ contributions, particularly Reyneke’s ability to take responsibility and deliver under pressure. “Kayla just took responsibility and earned it,” Luus added. “It’s a testament to how the women’s game has evolved. We’ve seen a lot of growth, and it’s exciting to witness this new generation step up.” The Proteas’ victory was also bolstered by a standout bowling performance from Ayabonga Khaka, who claimed a career-best six wickets in the match. Her figures of 6/28 dismantled New Zealand’s batting line-up, with crucial wickets at pivotal moments in the innings. “She took wickets at crucial times,” Luus praised.#new_zealand #south_africa #kayla_reyneke #ayabonga_khaka #sune_luus
South Africa bowl first in series opener, Kayla Reyneke gets maiden ODI cap South Africa opted to bowl first in the opening One Day International (ODI) of the series against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The decision came after the team won the toss, setting the stage for a competitive encounter. New Zealand had previously claimed a 4-1 victory in the T20 series, but South Africa, who reached the ODI World Cup final last year, aim to secure a stronger result in the five-match ODI series. Kayla Reyneke, a 20-year-old allrounder, made her ODI debut for South Africa in the match. She was presented with her cap by captain Laura Wolvaardt, marking a significant milestone in her cricketing career. Reyneke, who has previously played seven T20 Internationals, has demonstrated strong performances with both bat and ball in shorter formats. Her inclusion in the ODI squad highlights her potential to contribute to South Africa's campaign. The match lineup for New Zealand included Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr (captain), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Gaze (wicketkeeper), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Flora Devonshire, Rosemary Mair, and Bree Illing. South Africa's squad featured Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Anneri Dercksen, Sune Luus, Sinalo Jafta, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Kayla Reyneke, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, and Nonkulileko Mlaba. The series represents an opportunity for South Africa to build on their World Cup performance and assert dominance in the ODI format. With Reyneke's debut and the experienced lineup, the team is positioned to challenge New Zealand's strong T20 record and aim for a successful series outcome.#new_zealand #south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #kayla_reyneke #hagley_oval
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt aims to lead her team to a strong performance in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, following a recent T20I series loss. The series, part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025/29 cycle, begins on Sunday at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where South Africa hopes to rebound from their 4-1 defeat in the T20I format. Wolvaardt emphasized the team's focus on improving their ODI form, noting their consistent performance in the 50-over format over the past few months. "We want to be a lot better in this ODI series," she said, reflecting on past successes, including their World Cup campaign. While acknowledging shortcomings in the T20I series, she expressed confidence in the team's preparedness for the ODIs. "The plans we have in place are pretty solid," she added, hoping for stronger execution. The series holds significant weight as part of the qualification process for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2029. South Africa currently sits in third place on the IWC table, having earned two wins and one loss against Pakistan. Wolvaardt highlighted the importance of securing points early to avoid last-minute qualification pressures. "Every game is super important," she said, noting the high stakes and the motivation to play their best cricket. New Zealand enters the series in strong form, having recently defeated both South Africa and Zimbabwe in 50-over formats. However, South Africa maintains a strong historical record against the White Ferns, with four wins in their last five ODIs. This includes a notable six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in India. Wolvaardt acknowledged New Zealand's preparedness but emphasized her team's intent to be more proactive.#new_zealand #south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #icc_womens_championship #icc_womens_cricket_world_cup
Watch James Cameron Get Really Hands-On Filming 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' James Cameron has once again proven his versatility by taking on multiple roles in the production of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Beyond writing, directing, producing, and editing the film, Cameron also operated the camera during filming, a detail that highlights his hands-on approach to filmmaking. An exclusive clip from the special features of the film’s home release offers a glimpse into how Cameron managed his set with a level of control that most directors would rarely attempt. The clip, shared by io9, showcases Cameron’s unique ability to blend creative vision with technical execution. It is part of a broader collection of special features set to accompany the film’s home release. Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to debut digitally on March 31, with physical media formats including 4K UHD, standard Blu-ray, and DVD following on May 19. The special features provide an in-depth look at the film’s creation, including behind-the-scenes insights and creative processes. Among the highlights are featurettes such as Writing the Sequels, which details how Cameron and his team crafted the story for the Avatar series, and Pandoran Design, which explores the challenges of creating the film’s expansive world and its cultures. Other segments focus on the design of the RDA, the portrayal of Na’vi warriors, and the collaboration between actors and directors to bring the characters to life. The release also includes a tribute to producer Jon Landau, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Avatar sequels. Additional features cover the film’s score, the use of 3D technology, and the production’s location in New Zealand, where vendors from across the country contributed to building sets, costumes, and props.#new_zealand #avatar_fire_and_ash #james_cameron #io9 #jon_landau
Connor Esterhuizen reflected on his match-winning performance in South Africa’s T20I series against New Zealand, emphasizing his focus on fundamentals during the fourth T20I. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 57 runs to guide the Proteas to a 19-run victory, marking his maiden T20I half-century. Esterhuizen highlighted his approach as staying patient and playing straightforward shots, contrasting his earlier innings where he had been more defensive or overly ambitious. “I just tried to play what was in front of me, normal cricket shots, and waited for the ball in my area,” he said in a post-match press conference. This mindset, he explained, was the key difference in his performance compared to previous games, where he had struggled with consistency. Esterhuizen’s 57 came after a series of lower scores—45, 8, and 15 in his first three matches—highlighting his growth as a player. The victory leveled the series against New Zealand, and Esterhuizen credited his improved mindset for the result. He also spoke about the challenges of representing South Africa, noting the heightened pressure and scrutiny faced by players. “The more you do it, the more accustomed you come to it,” he said, echoing coach Shukri Conrad’s advice to the team. Conrad had emphasized the importance of experiencing pressure and criticism as part of the development process, especially for younger players. Esterhuizen acknowledged the difficulty of handling failure in the sport, calling it a game defined by setbacks. “When you succeed, you need to take it in,” he said, adding that learning to manage failures is crucial for long-term success. His comments underscored the mental resilience required at the international level.#new_zealand #south_africa #t20i_series #connor_esterhuizen #shukri_conrad
South Africa clinch 19-run win over New Zealand in fourth T20 South Africa’s spinners delivered a crucial performance as the tourists secured a 19-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth Twenty20 international on March 22, 2026. The win leveled the five-match series at 2-2, setting up a decisive final encounter in Christchurch. New Zealand had appeared poised to clinch the series after reaching 88-3 after 10 overs in their chase of 164, which South Africa had posted in their innings. However, the hosts crumbled in the middle overs, losing wickets at a rapid pace before being all out for 145 in 18.5 overs. The collapse was orchestrated by South Africa’s spin duo, Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen, who turned the tide in favor of the Proteas. Maharaj, the team’s most experienced player on an experimental squad, was instrumental in restricting New Zealand’s middle order. He bowled with precision, taking 2-22 from four overs and proving difficult to score against. Subrayen, making his T20 international debut, added to the pressure by dismissing Dane Cleaver for 26, triggering a collapse that left New Zealand reeling. The spinner finished with 2-13 in three overs, further tightening the hosts’ pursuit. Maharaj credited his team’s improved energy and focus as the key to the victory. “It was a perfect response to two disappointing losses in a row,” he said. “Coming into this game, you could see there was a little bit more energy and hunger. We are a young team, finding our way in international cricket, so it takes a little bit of time.” New Zealand’s top scorer was opener Tim Robinson, who contributed 32 runs, while South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee claimed 3-31 with the new ball. The Proteas’ innings was dominated by wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen, who scored 57 off 36 balls.#new_zealand #south_africa #keshav_maharaj #connor_esterhuizen #prenelan_subrayen
Connor Esterhuizen shines as South Africa beat New Zealand by 19 runs to level series South Africa secured a 19-run victory against New Zealand in the fourth T20I of a five-match series, leveling the contest at 2-2. The win came at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, with wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen playing a pivotal role. His half-century, coupled with a disciplined bowling performance from the South African attack, helped the team post 164/5 in 20 overs. New Zealand, in reply, were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs, falling short of the target. Esterhuizen anchored the innings with a gritty 57 off 33 balls, forming a crucial partnership of 81 with Tony De Zorzi. The duo steadied South Africa after a shaky start, with opener Mulder dismissed on the second ball. De Zorzi contributed 23 before being out, but Esterhuizen’s resilience kept the team in contention. Rubin Hermann remained not out on 28, while Jason Smith and Dian Forrester added 19 runs each to ensure a competitive total. New Zealand’s chase struggled from the outset, with Tim Robinson scoring 32 and Dane Cleaver making 26. However, the team’s collapse began after Cleaver’s dismissal, as they lost eight wickets for 69 runs. The hosts’ bowlers, led by Gerald Coetzee, who took three wickets, and supported by Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen, and Keshav Maharaj, who each claimed two, dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup. Kyle Jamieson accounted for two wickets, while Zakary Foulkes, Ben Sears, and Cole McConchie each picked up one. The decider of the series will be played on March 25 at Hagley Oval, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the T20I encounter.#new_zealand #south_africa #connor_esterhuizen #wellington #sky_stadium
New Zealand Vs South Africa, Play In Progress South Africa and New Zealand are currently playing a T20I match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. South Africa has scored 186 runs for the loss of four wickets in 19.5 overs. Dian Forrester is currently at the crease, scoring 21 runs. The match is part of a five-game series between the two teams in 2026. The batting performance for South Africa includes contributions from several players. Tony de Zorzilbw scored 12 runs off 14 balls, with three fours, while Wiaan Mulderc added 31 runs before being dismissed. Rubin Hermannc contributed 39 runs, and Connor Esterhuizenc scored 75 off 33 balls, hitting five fours and six sixes. Dian Forrester’s 21 runs came off 13 deliveries, including one four and one six. Jason Smith, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, and Ottneil Baartman did not bat in this innings. The fall of wickets occurred at key points: Tony de Zorzilbw was dismissed for 12 runs in the third over, Wiaan Mulderc was out for 31 in the 10th over, Rubin Hermannc was dismissed for 39 in the 15th over, and Connor Esterhuizenc was out for 75 in the 19th over. Extras added 8 runs, with two byes, four wides, and two no-balls. The current run rate is 9.38 runs per over. In the bowling department, Kyle Jamieson took four overs for 43 runs without a wicket, while Zakary Foulkes bowled four overs for 22 runs and took one wicket. Ben Sears bowled 3.5 overs for 36 runs and dismissed two batsmen. Cole McConchie took four overs for 48 runs, James Neesham bowled two overs for 21 runs, and Josh Clarkson bowled two overs for 14 runs with one wicket. The match is part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier B, which is scheduled for March 2026. Other matches in the qualifier include games at Achimota Senior Secondary School A and B fields in Accra.#new_zealand #south_africa #christchurch #hagley_oval
Final Answer: The fifth and final T20I of the New Zealand vs South Africa series is being played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting at 11:45 AM. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa is currently batting, reaching 212/4 after 20 overs. The series is tied 2-2, making this match decisive for the overall result. The match can be watched live in New Zealand on TVNZ+, TVNZ 1, and Sport Nation, while in India, it is available on Sony Sports Network, FanCode, and Sony Liv. The outcome of this game will determine the winner of the five-match T20I series.#new_zealand #south_africa #t20i_series #christchurch #hagley_oval
New Zealand vs South Africa 5th T20I: Series Decider in Christchurch The fifth T20I between New Zealand and South Africa in Christchurch served as the decisive match of the series, with both teams vying for the trophy. South Africa entered the contest with momentum after their previous victory, aiming to secure the series win against the host nation. The game unfolded with high intensity, featuring explosive batting and crucial fielding efforts that shaped the outcome. South Africa’s innings began with a strong start, as Connor Esterhuizen and Dian Forrester formed a formidable partnership. Esterhuizen, in particular, showcased his aggressive style, hitting sixes and fours at a rapid pace. In the 18th over, Esterhuizen smashed a six off Kyle Jamieson, capitalizing on a full toss to clear the boundary. His innings continued to build momentum, with a half-century achieved in just 25 balls. Forrester also contributed with a boundary-driven innings, adding runs to the total. The Proteas’ batting was further highlighted by Esterhuizen’s maiden T20I fifty, which came off 25 deliveries. His ability to rotate the strike and hit the ball cleanly through the gaps kept the scoreboard ticking. However, the innings faced challenges when Forrester dropped a simple catch off Bevon Jacobs, allowing the hosts to add runs. Despite this, South Africa’s top order remained resilient, with Esterhuizen’s aggressive approach keeping the team in control. The bowling side also played a pivotal role in shaping the match. Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes were instrumental in containing the opposition, with Jamieson delivering a mix of yorkers and full tosses to trouble the batters. Foulkes, on the other hand, managed to restrict runs while maintaining a disciplined line.#new_zealand #south_africa #connor_esterhuizen #dian_forrester #christchurch
New Zealand vs South Africa, 5th T20I, South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2026 New Zealand opted to bowl first in the fifth T20I of the South Africa tour, a decision that proved pivotal as the hosts claimed a narrow victory. The match, played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, saw New Zealand secure a win with the bat, capitalizing on South Africa's early struggles. The game, scheduled for 7:15 PM local time, featured a mix of aggressive batting and strategic bowling, with key moments shaping the outcome. South Africa’s innings began with a strong start, but New Zealand’s bowlers quickly found their rhythm. Josh Clarkson, the opening bowler, struck on the first ball, dismissing Wiaan Mulder for 31 runs. Mulder’s dismissal came after a well-executed catch by James Neesham, who managed to hold onto a skyed shot. The wicket disrupted South Africa’s momentum, and the hosts struggled to rebuild. By the 10th over, South Africa were at 76/2, with the scoreboard showing a significant deficit. New Zealand’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Ben Sears and Cole McConchie playing crucial roles. Sears managed to contain the run rate, while McConchie’s aggressive approach brought quick rewards. The standout moment came in the 14th over, where McConchie hit a six off the first ball, followed by another six in the same over. These boundaries, combined with a 50-run partnership between Rubin Hermann and Wiaan Mulder, provided a brief reprieve for South Africa. However, the damage was done, and New Zealand’s bowlers continued to apply pressure. The match forecast highlighted New Zealand’s ability to adapt to the conditions, with their spinners playing a key role in the middle overs.#new_zealand #south_africa #christchurch #hagley_oval #josh_clarkson
New Zealand wins the toss and bowls in the deciding T20 against South Africa New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl in the fifth and deciding Twenty20 match against South Africa at Hagley Oval on Wednesday. The decision came after a series of low-scoring games that left the overall contest tied at 2-2. South Africa had taken the first match by seven wickets, while New Zealand responded with victories in the second and third matches by 68 runs and eight wickets, respectively. South Africa reclaimed the lead in the fourth match with a 19-run margin. Both teams fielded unchanged lineups for the first time in the series. South Africa retained spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who made a notable debut in the fourth match at Wellington on Sunday. New Zealand’s squad included captain Jimmy Neesham, while South Africa’s team was captained by Keshav Maharaj. The lineups for both teams were detailed, with New Zealand featuring players like Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, and Kyle Jamieson, and South Africa including Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, and Gerald Coetzee. The series had seen a mix of high-scoring and low-scoring encounters, with the final match serving as a crucial deciding factor. The teams’ strategies and player selections reflected their efforts to secure a victory in the tightly contested series. The outcome of the match would determine the overall winner of the T20 competition between the two nations.#new_zealand #south_africa #keshav_maharaj #jimmy_neesham #hagley_oval
Kerr century propels White Ferns to victory South Africa suffered a 92-run defeat against New Zealand in the fifth T20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday. The Proteas were overwhelmed by a dominant performance from Amelia Kerr, who scored a gritty century as the hosts amassed 194 for 6 after being put in to bat. The result extended New Zealand’s series lead and added to their struggles ahead of the T20 World Cup and an upcoming ODI series against South Africa. Captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted her team had been "outplayed in pretty much all facets," citing poor execution with the ball and a lack of composure with the bat during a high-pressure chase. The innings collapsed quickly, with key wickets falling early. Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus were dismissed for 1 and 13 respectively, while Anneke Bosch and Wolvaardt both fell for single runs. The batting order continued to unravel, with Nadine de Klerk bowled for 6 and Annerie Dercksen caught at deep midwicket after a promising 23. Karabo Meso and Masabata Klaas were also dismissed early, leaving the bowlers to salvage what they could. Despite the early setbacks, Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayabonga Khaka provided late resistance, ensuring South Africa batted out the overs. Sekhukhune, who had earlier delivered a sharp spell, held firm alongside Khaka, whose 12 off 19 added resilience to the team’s efforts. Khaka’s bowling was instrumental in restricting the run rate, and she eventually removed Kerr in the final over. Kerr’s innings was a masterclass in resilience, as she struck 19 fours and a six to score 82 runs off boundaries. She credited her teammates for allowing her to "play my style and enjoy it at the end," despite facing a challenging pitch that "nipped around" early in the innings.#new_zealand #south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #amelia_kerr #christchurch
New Zealand Women's Record Chase in T20I History New Zealand's women's team achieved their second-highest successful chase in women's T20 International history during a match against South Africa, scoring 160 for 4. This surpassed their previous best of 153, set in a 2020 game against South Africa in Wellington. The target of 160 was also the highest successfully chased on New Zealand soil, eclipsing South Africa's previous record. Amelia Kerr played a pivotal role, notching her tenth consecutive 30-plus score in T20Is, a new record across both men's and women's formats. She surpassed Chamari Athapaththu and Rebecca Blake, who previously held the mark with nine consecutive scores. In men's T20Is, the record for most successive 30-plus scores is seven, shared by Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Rizwan, Abhishek Sharma, and Hristo Lakov. Sophie Devine continued her dominance against South Africa, scoring a half-century in this match and becoming the first player in men's or women's T20Is to achieve ten fifty-plus scores against a single opponent. Her tally of one century and nine fifties in 19 innings against South Africa places her among the elite, joining an exclusive group that includes Babar Azam (vs New Zealand), Smriti Mandhana (vs England), and Beth Mooney (vs India). Devine's performance also contributed to New Zealand's series victory, with the team securing a win with a game to spare. Jess Kerr was instrumental in the bowling, taking three wickets for 16 runs, her best figures in T20Is. She has claimed 13 wickets in seven innings this season, averaging 10.46 with an economy rate of 5.13, making her one of the top performers in the format. The match also highlighted other milestones.#new_zealand #south_africa #sophie_devine #amelia_kerr #jess_kerr
New Zealand Wins Toss and Chooses to Bowl in T20I Series Decider New Zealand secured the toss in the fifth T20I against South Africa on March 25, 2026, and opted to bowl first at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match, which serves as the decisive game of the series, will be broadcast live in India on the Sony Sports Network starting at 11:45 AM IST. The game will also be available for streaming on SonyLIV and FanCode platforms. The New Zealand squad includes Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham (captain), Cole McConchie, Josh Clarkson, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Jayden Lennox, Nathan Smith, and Tom Blundell. South Africa’s team features Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen (wicketkeeper), Rubin Hermann, Dian Forrester, Jason Smith, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena, and Lutho Sipamla. The decision to bowl first comes as both teams aim to clinch the series, with the outcome likely to hinge on early momentum. New Zealand’s strategy will focus on setting a competitive total, while South Africa will look to counter with a balanced approach. The match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both sides vying for a crucial victory in the T20I format. The series has seen intense competition, with each game shaping the dynamics of the rivalry. The final match in Christchurch will test the resilience and adaptability of both teams, offering fans a thrilling conclusion to the T20I campaign.#new_zealand #south_africa #christchurch #sony_sports_network #hagley_oval
NZ Women vs SA Women 5th T20I Match Preview - NZ, SA have all to play for as low-context series reaches high-stakes finale New Zealand chose to field. Stats view Live Forecast:SA 156 Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:06 AM Kyle Jamieson could be a key player with the series locked 2-2 • Getty Images Big picture: A series with plenty to take away At the press conference after the fourth T20I, Tim Robinson suggested a little bit of history might have been made. He was talking about himself and Katene Clarke, who had debuted that day. "I also think it might have been the first time two Māori players have opened the batting for New Zealand. I dunno, you have to check that stat, but I think it's pretty cool." The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They form about 14% of the population now and there is a lot of focus on keeping their culture and language alive. Sport is a big driver there. The All Blacks perform the haka, a Māori war dance, before all their matches. Cricket broadcasts mention the Māori names of the places the matches are taking place in. South Africa's men's and women's teams were given a Māori welcome when they landed in Mount Maunganui a little over a week ago. Conrad: Whether it is fully-fledged international cricket, I think the jury is out Meet Katene Clarke, New Zealand's latest big-hitting batter Covid 'sort of a saving grace in cricketing terms' for Esterhuizen In the middle of a series that is slipping under the radar, it was nice for something like this to crop up. Robinson and Clarke will be back at the top of the order for the fifth and deciding T20I with Tom Latham ruled out of the series with a thumb injury and Devon Conway off to play in the PSL.#new_zealand #south_africa #kyle_jamieson #wiaan_mulder #tim_robinson
