South Africa secured an 18-run victory over the New Zealand in the second women’s T20I in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Tazmin Brits struck 53 off 43 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with 41* and Reyneke provided a late surge with 28* as South Africa posted 177-5.
In reply, Ayabonga Khaka (4-27) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (3-27) led the bowling effort to dismiss the White Ferns for 159 with five balls remaining.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa made a strong start through Brits and Suné Luus (31), racing to 49-0 in the powerplay before Luus fell to Amelia Kerr (2-29).
Brits and Wolvaardt continued to build, with Brits bringing up her 15th T20I half-century as the Proteas Women reached 110-1 after 12 overs.
New Zealand hit back with three quick wickets, as Kerr dismissed Brits, Jess Kerr (2-34) removed Annerie Dercksen (two), and a run-out accounted for Chloé Tryon (two), leaving the visitors 120-4.
Wolvaardt steadied the innings despite losing Nadine de Klerk (four), before Reyneke’s late fireworks shifted the momentum. The pair added 34 runs in the final 13 balls, including 21 in the last over, to lift South Africa to a commanding total.
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In response, the White Ferns lost early wickets as Dercksen (1-11) and Khaka removed Georgia Plimmer (one) and Izzy Gaze (six) inside the powerplay.
Amelia Kerr (32) and Sophie Devine (25) added 39 for the third wicket before Mlaba struck to trap Kerr lbw, and De Klerk (1-23) dismissed Devine to leave the hosts 72-4.
Although Brooke Halliday (16) and Maddy Green (18) added 29, South Africa continued to strike at key moments. Khaka removed both batters, while Mlaba dismissed Suzie Bates (one) to tighten the grip.
Izzy Sharp (29) and Jess Kerr (14) offered resistance with a 42-run stand, but Mlaba and Khaka returned to remove both, before a run-out of Rosemary Mair (7) sealed the win.
The third T20I of the five-match series will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
