Proteas Women in Crisis? Mandla Mashimbyi Calls for Bravery After 'Unfortunate' Thrashing in New Zealand The South African women’s cricket team, the Proteas, faces mounting pressure as they prepare for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, following a heavy 80-run defeat to New Zealand’s White Ferns in Mount Maunganui. The loss marks their second consecutive T20I loss in the ongoing series, adding to concerns about their form ahead of the global tournament. The team, which had reached back-to-back T20 World Cup finals in recent years, now finds itself in a challenging phase as they aim to reclaim their dominance. The crushing defeat came just days after the Proteas lost to Pakistan Women in a home fixture, leaving coach Mandla Mashimbyi and captain Laura Wolvaardt grappling with the team’s performance. Mashimbyi described the loss as a “completely off day” for South Africa, emphasizing that it did not reflect the team’s true capabilities. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this team do this,” he said, expressing disbelief at the poor execution. The coach acknowledged the team’s failure to meet expectations, stating, “We just didn’t execute as well as we would like to.” The loss to the White Ferns, who had previously defeated the Proteas in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, has raised questions about the team’s ability to handle high-stakes matches. Mashimbyi stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset as the team prepares for their World Cup opener against Australia Women at Old Trafford in Manchester. Despite the series opener loss, the Proteas still have four T20Is remaining in New Zealand, offering an opportunity to stage a comeback and finish the series strongly. Mashimbyi urged the squad to embrace bravery and resilience in the upcoming matches, highlighting the need for mental toughness.#new_zealand #south_africa #white_ferns #proteas #mandla_mashimbyi
Melie Kerr’s record-breaking performance highlights her dominance as New Zealand’s captain in a decisive ODI series against Zimbabwe New Zealand’s newly appointed captain, Melie Kerr, delivered a standout performance in Dunedin, cementing her status as one of the most formidable players in women’s cricket. Her hat-trick and five-wicket haul in the third ODI of the series against Zimbabwe marked another milestone in her career, as she continued to break records and dominate both with the bat and ball. The White Ferns’ 200-run victory over Zimbabwe at the University Oval was a testament to Kerr’s leadership and all-round skill, securing a 3-0 sweep in the ICC Women’s Championship. Kerr’s contributions were pivotal throughout the series. She scored 80 runs in New Zealand’s total of 303/6, providing a solid foundation for the team’s aggressive approach. In the chase, she showcased her bowling prowess by dismissing Adel Zimunu, Audrey Mazvishaya, and Tendai Makusha in consecutive deliveries during the 24th over, securing the rare hat-trick. This achievement made her the third New Zealand woman to accomplish the feat and only the 14th woman in women’s ODI history to do so. Her hat-trick also marked the first for a New Zealand player since Emily Drumm’s historic performance against Australia in 1996. Kerr’s bowling figures for the series were equally impressive. She claimed a five-wicket haul in the third match, adding to her seven-wicket haul in the second game, making her the first New Zealand bowler to achieve three five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket. Her total of 16 wickets across the series, combined with 140 runs, earned her the Player of the Series award.#new_zealand #zimbabwe #white_ferns #melie_kerr #icc_womens_championship
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
Captain Kerr’s record ton powers New Zealand ahead of T20WC Melie Kerr made history with a maiden T20I century as the newly appointed White Ferns captain led New Zealand to a dominant 92-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the series. The all-rounder’s innings of 101 off 51 balls, featuring 19 boundaries, marked the first women’s T20I hundred by a skipper on their debut in the format. Kerr’s performance also solidified her status as a key player for the defending ICC Women’s T20 World Cup champions, who aim to retain their title in the 2026 tournament. Kerr, who took charge of the team from Sophie Devine, the former ODI captain, showcased her all-round abilities during the match. After New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in Hamilton, Kerr dominated the innings with a composed and aggressive display. Her strike rate of 198.03 highlighted her ability to score quickly, while her bowling contributions—two wickets for 14 runs—helped seal the victory. The 101-run total was the highest by a White Ferns player in T20I history, surpassing previous records. Kerr’s achievement also made her only the third player in the team’s history to score a century in the format, underscoring her significance to the squad. Her performance came just weeks after New Zealand won their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2024, adding momentum to their preparations for the upcoming 12-team tournament. New Zealand will face a challenging group in the 2026 World Cup, including hosts England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Scotland, and Ireland. The team’s first match will be against the West Indies at the Hampshire Bowl on June 13. Kerr’s leadership and batting prowess will be crucial as the squad aims to defend their crown.#new_zealand #white_ferns #t20i #melie_kerr #icc_women_t20_world_cup
