Proteas Women Aiming to Rebound in Decisive T20 Faceoff with New Zealand

Focus on leveling the serires

In a pivotal showdown at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the South African Proteas women’s cricket team is gearing up to turn the tables in the last T20 International match against New Zealand. Following a disheartening loss yesterday at the same venue, where New Zealand triumphed by 8 wickets, the Proteas are focused on leveling the series after the first three matches were marred by rain.

A valiant effort from The Proteas Women but the White Ferns managed to edge one on us 🇿🇦🇳🇿#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/BcHZlE6WOe
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 14, 2023

4th T20I review

In the 4^th T20I yesterday, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr showcased a remarkable display of skill, steering their team to victory with unbeaten innings of 61 runs off 37 balls and 70 runs off 46 balls, respectively.

Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat, the Proteas managed a commendable 172/4 in their 20 overs. Leading the charge, Laura Wolvaardt notched an impressive 53 runs off 44 balls, well supported by Anneke Bosch, Sune Luss, and Cloe Tryon.

The Proteas faced a shaky start when Wolvaardt struggled to connect with a delivery from Hannah Rowe in the third over. However, the ball found its way to the boundary for four. Tazmin Brits, unfortunately, fell for 11 runs in the fourth over, caught by Georgia Plimmer off Kerr’s bowling. Anneke Bosch, partnering with the South African captain, contributed to a solid 50-run partnership before Molly Penfold’s delivery dislodged her leg stump, sending her back to the pavilion with 32 runs to her name.

Proteas had the batting partnerships

Wolvaardt’s consistent performance led her to secure her ninth T20 50, but her dismissal in the 16th over, caught by Devine off Rowe’s bowling, brought a halt to her impressive stint at 53 runs.

Cloe Tryon joined Suné Luus with the scoreboard at 120 for three, and together they added another 52 runs, taking South Africa to a competitive total of 172 for four. Luus, unfortunately, was dismissed off the final delivery of the innings, leaving the crease with 45 runs to her credit.

The chase was on for New Zealand

Kate Anderson and Suzie Bates opened the batting for the White Ferns, initially building a solid foundation until Tumi Sekhukhune’s entry into the bowling attack disrupted their flow. A catch by Delmi Tucker dismissed Bates for 9 runs, while Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt ensured Anderson’s departure at 25 runs

At the halfway mark, New Zealand stood at 68 for two, with Devine and Kerr steadily steering the innings towards victory, setting up a chase of 105 runs from 60 balls. Devine’s impressive three consecutive sixes off Sekhukhune in the 17th over not only brought up the 100-partnership with Kerr but also marked her own 50 in just 31 balls.

Ultimately, Kerr and Devine’s combined efforts guided New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket triumph.

Queen of Vutta 🔥

Benoni born and breed Tumi Sekhukhune tells her Proteas Women story ✍#AlwaysRising #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/Lv3RBHCBfx
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 14, 2023

All to play for in last T20I

Heading into the decisive T20 clash, South Africa faces an uphill battle, determined to secure a series draw. However, the absence of key players Marizanne Kapp and Lara Goodall, both sidelined due to injuries sustained during previous matches, presents an additional challenge for the Proteas squad. Kapp suffered a bruise to her lower right leg during the second T20I at Buffalo Park in East London, while Goodall encountered a right ankle sprain during a warm-up fielding drill preceding the same match.

1-nil series lead in Benoni!🏏 A 135-run 3rd wicket partnership between Melie Kerr (70*) & Sophie Devine (61*) leading the chase, the new highest 3rd wicket partnership for New Zealand women in T20I. Scorecard | https://t.co/x1YcO8yMgK #SAvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/ac7uzAiAXS
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) October 14, 2023