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
New Zealand Women Dominate South Africa in Thrilling T20I Debut New Zealand Women secured a commanding 80-run victory over South Africa Women in the first T20I of the series at Mount Maunganui on March 15, 2026, with Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer leading the charge. The hosts posted 190 for 7, capitalizing on a dominant batting display, while South Africa struggled to reach the target of 200, finishing at 110 for 7. The win gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Kerr and Plimmer formed a partnership worth 146 runs, the fourth-highest for New Zealand in women’s T20Is, as they laid the foundation for a formidable total. Kerr scored 78 off 78 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes, with 56 of her runs coming from boundaries. Her innings was marked by precision and innovation, including a deft scoop over the keeper and a low clearance to midwicket. Plimmer added 63, maintaining a high scoring rate through the middle overs, and the duo’s dominance stifled South Africa’s chase. New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Jess Kerr and Sophie Devine spearheading the attack. Kerr removed two key South African batters in the early stages, while Devine claimed four wickets for 12 runs, marking her best T20I figures. Devine’s pace-off deliveries and ability to exploit gaps proved crucial, as she dismissed key South African players including Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits. Klaas, South Africa’s only consistent bowler, took two wickets but struggled to contain the New Zealand attack. South Africa’s innings was marred by poor execution and a lack of momentum. They lost both openers, Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt, to Kerr in the fourth over, and managed only 19 runs in the powerplay.#georgia_plimmer #amelia_kerr #new_zealand_women #south_africa_women #jess_kerr
