Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine led New Zealand to an emphatic 80-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20I of a three-match series at Bay Oval on Sunday. The White Ferns' dominant all-round performance secured a 1-0 series lead after piling up 190/7 in their 20-over innings, supported by a blistering half-century from Kerr and a fluent 63 from opener Georgia Plimmer. South Africa's early struggles began with Isabella Gaze's run-out in the first over, but Plimmer steadied the innings with a brisk 63, sharing a 146-run partnership with Kerr for the second wicket. Kerr's 78 off 44 balls, featuring 11 fours and two sixes, anchored New Zealand's total, while contributions from Sophie Devine (12), Brooke Halliday (13), and Maddy Green (10) kept the momentum alive. The hosts reached 190/7, with Devine's four-wicket haul and Jess Kerr's wicket-taking spell further dismantling the Proteas' batting order. South Africa's response was lackluster, as they collapsed to 17/2 in four overs after opener Sune Luus and captain Laura Wolvaardt fell cheaply. Tazmin Brits (29) and Chloe Tryon (9 off 12 balls) attempted a recovery, but regular wickets prevented meaningful progress. Devine's 4/12 in her four overs proved decisive, while Jess Kerr's 13-run return and two wickets further restricted the visitors. South Africa ended at 110/7, unable to match New Zealand's total. The match highlighted New Zealand's batting depth and Devine's return to form as a key bowler, while South Africa's inability to capitalize on early setbacks underscored their challenges in the format.#new_zealand #south_africa #sophie_devine #amelia_kerr #bay_oval
New Zealand Women Dominate South Africa in T20I Series Opener New Zealand Women secured a commanding 80-run victory over South Africa Women in the first T20I of their series in Mount Maunganui, extending their winning streak. The match was highlighted by Amelia Kerr’s stellar batting and Sophie Devine’s impressive four-wicket haul, marking a significant moment in the team’s campaign. Kerr, the New Zealand captain, delivered a masterclass with a composed 78 off 44 balls, continuing her impressive run of consecutive 40+ scores in T20Is. Her innings, supported by Georgia Plimmer’s first T20I fifty since the 2022 World Cup, helped the hosts post a formidable total of 190/7. Plimmer, returning from injury, showcased her power with three sixes, including a boundary that stretched the leg-side fence. The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for a strong total, with New Zealand comfortably ahead after 13 overs. South Africa Women struggled to respond, unable to match the pace of New Zealand’s bowling attack. Jess Kerr’s disciplined line and length restricted the visitors early, leading to an early collapse. Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt fell in quick succession, with Wolvaardt dismissed for a duck in her 40th T20I appearance. The loss of key players dented South Africa’s momentum, leaving them to chase a target that seemed increasingly out of reach. Sophie Devine’s four-wicket return was pivotal in dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup. Her clever use of pace changes and variations kept the batters guessing, with Tazmin Brits and Kayla Reyneke falling to her sharp bowling. Devine’s figures of 4-12 marked her best performance in a 20-year T20I career, while Masabata Klaas’ 2-15 and Nadine de Klerk’s 2-32 further tightened the screws on the South African innings.#sophie_devine #amelia_kerr #new_zealand_women #south_africa_women #mount_maunganui
The Hundred auction 2026 - Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine earn paydays Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney emerged as the top earners in the inaugural Women’s Hundred auction, each securing a £210,000 salary, surpassing the previous record for the tournament. The duo narrowly outbid England allrounder Dani Gibson, who was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000. South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, a standout performer in the 50-over World Cup and WPL, joined London Spirit for £170,000. India’s Deepti Sharma, however, received a sole bid at her base price of £27,500 from Sunrisers Leeds, while wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was acquired by Manchester Super Giants for £50,000. Devine, 36, will play for Welsh Fire as she transitions into the latter stages of her career. She stepped down as New Zealand T20 captain after winning the 2024 World Cup and retired from ODIs late last year. Australian Mooney, a consistent batter and wicketkeeper, was the subject of a bidding war between Trent Rockets and Manchester Super Giants, with the Rockets securing her services. Their salaries, £210,000 each, far exceed the previous record of £65,000 in the Women’s Hundred and are 14 times higher than the 2021 tournament’s top wage of £15,000. These figures also surpass the highest salaries in the Women’s Big Bash League and match the pay scales of the WPL. The salary cap for teams in the Women’s Hundred has doubled to £880,000 per franchise, driven by new private investment in the tournament. This marks a significant shift from the first edition in 2021, which saw a much lower cap. Davina Perrin, the 19-year-old who scored a 43-ball century in last year’s Eliminator, became the first player sold at auction, joining Birmingham Phoenix for £50,000.#sophie_devine #sunrisers_leeds #the_hundred #welsh_fire #beth_mooney
The Hundred auction 2026 - Women's Hundred auction signals new dawn in English cricket A historic six-hour auction under the iconic LED screens of London’s Piccadilly Circus marked the dawn of a new era for women’s cricket in England. Newly formed franchises, backed by private investors, spent around £4 million to secure top talent, transforming players into some of the highest-paid female athletes in the UK. The event, part of The Hundred’s 2026 season, saw teams bid aggressively for star players, with several young athletes earning six-figure contracts for a tournament that spans just four weeks. The auction followed a major restructuring of the tournament, which transitioned from a draft system to a franchise model. Eight teams, now owned by external investors, have doubled their salary caps for the women’s competition to £880,000, surpassing the WBBL in pay and approaching the levels of the WPL. The influx of private capital has already helped clear debts for several county cricket clubs, with players now reaping the rewards of this financial shift. Among the standout deals was Dani Gibson’s £190,000 contract with Sunrisers Leeds, a record for an English player. Gibson, a 24-year-old batter, had been sidelined for a year due to a back injury but was seen as a high-value asset due to her potential. “I’m still in shock,” she said after the auction, describing the experience as overwhelming. Her coach, Adi Birrell, emphasized that Gibson’s deal was a top priority, highlighting her importance to the team’s strategy. The auction also brought significant attention to young, untested talent. Tilly Corteen-Coleman, an 18-year-old left-arm spinner without an international cap, was sold to Southern Brave for £105,000—a sevenfold increase from the £15,000 deals signed in 2019.#sophie_devine #the_hundred #piccadilly_circus #sunrisers_leeds #trent_rockets
The WHITE FERNS will welcome back Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Georgia Plimmer, and Flora Devonshire for the upcoming five-match Life Direct T20I series against South Africa. Bates, who recovered from a quad tear, and Devonshire, who healed from a broken finger, will join Plimmer, who returned from a shoulder injury, for the series starting at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. The five-match series will be played as double-header game-days alongside the BLACKCAPS and South Africa men’s KFC T20I series, allowing fans to watch all four teams compete on the same day. Devine’s return marks her first appearance since the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in October, as the WHITE FERNS continue their preparation to defend their title ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year. Head Coach Ben Sawyer highlighted the importance of Bates and Devine’s experience, stating their contributions to the team’s culture and performance are invaluable. “Their quality on the field speaks for itself, but what they bring culturally is really important for us as a team,” Sawyer said, expressing excitement about their inclusion in the squad. Plimmer’s return was also welcomed, as her absence during the Zimbabwe series due to a shoulder injury was a setback. Sawyer noted her role at the top of the order is critical, and her availability will aid the team’s development toward the World Cup. Devonshire, who missed the recent Zimbabwe series after a hand injury, was praised for her resilience following back-to-back injuries that kept her out of the squad. “It’s pleasing to have her back fit and ready for when we need her,” Sawyer said, expressing sympathy for her recent challenges.#suzie_bates #sophie_devine #white_ferns #georgia_plimmer #flora_devonshire
New Zealand Women's Squad Announces Return of Key Players for T20I Series Against South Africa Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu have been reinstated in New Zealand's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against South Africa. The trio, who had been absent from recent fixtures due to injury or contractual reasons, will contribute to the team's preparations for the Women's T20 World Cup in June. Devine, who is on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket, was unavailable for the previous series against Zimbabwe, while Bates missed the series due to a quadricep injury. Tahuhu, who retired from ODIs, was not included in the earlier squad for "physical preparation planning" but will now be available for the final three matches of the T20I series. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed enthusiasm about the players' return, highlighting their on-field expertise and cultural impact on the team. "Their quality on the field really does speak for itself, but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team," Sawyer said in a statement from NZC. The coach emphasized the value of integrating experienced players with newer squad members to strengthen the team's depth and cohesion. Opener Georgia Plimmer, who missed the Zimbabwe series due to a shoulder injury, has returned to the squad under Amelia Kerr's captaincy. Plimmer and Bates form the opening pair for the reigning T20 world champions, a role Kerr described as critical. "It was unfortunate to have Georgia miss out on most of the Zimbabwe series with her shoulder, so the whole group is glad to have her back," Kerr said. "Her role at the top of the order is a key one, and it'll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year.#suzie_bates #sophie_devine #ben_sawyer #new_zealand_womens_squad #lea_tahuhu
White Ferns name squad for South Africa T20I series New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, welcoming back experienced players Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Both athletes have completed their recovery from injuries and are set to participate in the series, which will begin at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on March 15. Bates, who suffered a quad tear, and Devine, returning after a prolonged absence due to personal reasons, will add depth and experience to the team. The squad includes 15 players, with specific rotations planned for different stages of the series. Bree Illing and Polly Inglis will feature in the first two matches before being replaced by Lea Tahuhu and Flora Devonshire in later games. Devonshire, who missed recent fixtures due to a series of back-to-back injuries, expressed relief at being back in the group and ready to contribute. The team’s preparations also focus on the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where New Zealand aim to defend their title. Sophie Devine’s return marks her first appearance for the team since the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, highlighting her continued importance to the squad. Head coach Ben Sawyer emphasized the value of Bates and Devine’s experience, noting their on-field skills and cultural contributions to the team’s dynamics. The squad list includes: Melie Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Flora Devonshire, Lea Tahuhu, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis. Players marked with asterisks will only participate in the first two matches, while those noted with double asterisks will be available for the final three games.#new_zealand #south_africa #suzie_bates #sophie_devine #ben_sawyer
