WELLINGTON — In a match that will be etched into the history books, the Proteas Women suffered a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second One-Day International at the Basin Reserve on Wednesday morning.
Despite posting a mammoth 346/6—a total that would typically guarantee victory—South Africa was undone by an innings of a lifetime from Amelia Kerr, who anchored the highest successful run-chase in the history of Women’s ODI cricket.
The dramatic final-over victory sees the White Ferns level the three-match series 1-1, setting up a mouth-watering decider at the same venue this Saturday.
Proteas Pile on the Runs
After being asked to bat first, South Africa delivered an absolute batting masterclass. Despite the early loss of opener Tazmin Brits, captain Laura Wolvaardt (69 off 74 balls) and Anneke Bosch (91 off 90 balls) laid a formidable foundation. The pair combined for a brilliant 132-run partnership, maneuvering the ball expertly and punishing the New Zealand attack.
The momentum continued through the middle order. Suné Luus (40) and wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta (37 off 29) kept the run rate climbing. However, it was a swashbuckling cameo from Chloe Tryon that truly propelled the Proteas to a monumental total. Tryon bludgeoned 52 off just 25 deliveries, striking five fours and three massive sixes, leaving the hosts searching for answers as South Africa closed their innings on an imposing 346/6.
The Amelia Kerr Show
Facing a world-record chase, the hosts stumbled early. The ever-reliable Ayabonga Khaka (3/51) struck in the fifth over to remove the dangerous Suzie Bates. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Masabata Klaas (2/61) and Kayla Reyneke (2/54) chipping in to leave the White Ferns in a precarious position at 130/4 at the halfway mark.
Enter Isabella Gaze. Partnering with the resolute Kerr, Gaze provided the necessary counter-punch. She blasted a crucial 68 off just 48 balls in a 120-run stand for the fifth wicket that swung the momentum back in the hosts’ favor and put the South African bowlers under immense pressure.
Even after Gaze departed, Kerr remained immovable. Shifting gears with flawless precision, the all-rounder played the innings of her career. The match came down to a nail-biting finish, with New Zealand needing 11 runs off the final over bowled by Nadine de Klerk. Showing nerves of steel, Kerr struck three boundaries in the over to seal the record-breaking victory with two balls to spare.
Kerr finished unbeaten on a staggering 179 off 139 balls, an innings adorned with 23 fours and a six, cementing her status as one of the premier players in the world and shattering the previous chase record set by India against Australia.
Looking Ahead
For South Africa, the defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow after such a dominant, record-setting display with the bat. While Ayabonga Khaka was a standout performer with the ball, the bowling unit ultimately struggled to contain Kerr on a flat, batter-friendly Basin Reserve surface.
The Proteas Women will now have to regroup quickly. With the series perfectly poised, all eyes turn to Saturday’s highly anticipated finale in Wellington where everything will be on the line.
Match Summary:
- South Africa Women: 346/6 in 50 overs (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69, Chloe Tryon 52; Kayley Knight 2/65)
- New Zealand Women: 350/8 in 49.4 overs (Amelia Kerr 179*, Isabella Gaze 68; Ayabonga Khaka 3/51, Masabata Klaas 2/61)
- Result: New Zealand Women won by 2 wickets
- Player of the Match: Amelia Kerr
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
For More South African Cricket News: Cricket
