WWC 2022: South Africa defeats New Zealand by two wickets

HAMILTON: South Africa defeated New Zealand by two wickets on Thursday, virtually ensuring their place in the Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals and putting the hosts in jeopardy.

South Africa won a tight, low-scoring encounter and became the first team to match Australia’s record of four victories from four matches.

New Zealand’s third loss in five games has put them in a perilous situation after losing a chance to set a large total and put the match beyond South Africa’s reach.

New Zealand now faces England, the holders, in a must-win match in Auckland on Sunday.

In Hamilton, South Africa bowled out the hosts for 228 in 47.5 overs, then chased down the score with three balls to spare.

South Africa’s quick bowlers decimated New Zealand’s batting line-up before Laura Wolvaardt struck 67, her third consecutive half-century in the competition, and Sune Luus contributed 51.

Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s captain, was once again the star performer, scoring an exquisite 93 that should have prompted the home team to set a lofty objective.

With 42 and 30, respectively, Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green were the only other batters to give any resistance to South Africa’s attack.

When Ayabonga Khaka removed Devine with a wonderfully placed yorker, she came just short of her sixth ODI century.

Despite her departure, New Zealand were in a solid position entering into the final 10 overs, with wickets in hand at 198-5.

They were unable to capitalise, as Devine’s wicket was one of six that fell for only 30 runs as South Africa’s bowlers racked up the runs.

Khaka concluded with 3-31, Shabnim Ismail with 3-27, and Marizanne Kapp with 2-44 after taking two wickets in two balls.

South Africa were 105-2 at the halfway stage, chasing 229, with Wolvaardt at the helm and Luus providing support.

They, too, had a late collapse, but Kapp led them to victory with an unbroken 34.

In a match between the top two teams in the table, South Africa will face Australia in Wellington on Tuesday.

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