NZ-W vs SA-W 1st T20I: Kerr, Plimmer and Devine flatten South Africa

Match Overview

Half-centuries from skipper Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer and a frugal four-for from veteran Sophie Devine headlined New Zealand’s convincing 80-run win in the series-opening T20I against South Africa in Mount Maunganui.

After opting to bat, New Zealand were rocked early as wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze was run out without facing a ball. However, Kerr picked up from where she left off against Zimbabwe in the previous series, smashing 78 off just 44 with 11 fours and two sixes while being involved in a record 146-run stand for the second wicket with Plimmer, who struck 63 off 44 with five fours and three sixes, keeping South Africa bowlers at bay for 14 overs.

Masabata Klaas eventually broke the stand by having Kerr caught behind, while left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba had Plimmer stumped soon afterwards to control the run flow. New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals from then on in an attempt to maintain the tempo, as they were bowled out for 190 after being 146 for 1 at one stage. Klaas (2 for 15) and Nadine de Klerk (2 for 32) claimed two wickets each while Ayabonga Khaka and Mlaba managed one apiece.

In response, South Africa struggled throughout their innings to build any partnership that could keep them in the game. Jess Kerr struck twice in the fourth over to peg them back, removing Sune Luus and skipper Laura Wolvaardt in a space of three balls.

While Tazmin Brits (29 off 35) kept the scoreboard moving, South Africa were left playing catch-up after failing to utilise the powerplay, which yielded only 19 runs. Annerie Dercksen was the next to perish as she was run out cheaply.

From there, it was a Devine show with the ball as her change of pace and variations. She saw the back of Chloe Tryon in the 12th over as she holed out to long and then returned to dismiss Brits in the 15th. Nadine de Klerk (19 off 19) was undone as she played on while attempting a ramp shot, while Sinola Jafta was caught in the same over for a three-ball duck as Devine finished with an excellent 4 for 12.

Top run-scorer of the match

Top wicket-taker of the match

Player of the match

Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr continued her red-hot form, smacking her fourth consecutive fifty-plus score while being involved in a record partnership with Plimmer to take New Zealand to an imposing total. Her aggressive knock laid the foundation of the hosts' innings and ensured that even a late collapse could not prevent them from nearing the 200-run mark.

What the captains said

Winning Team Captain, Amelia Kerr (NZ-W)

Came in earlier than I thought. Just building a partnership, with how deep we bat, could take the game on, and tried sticking to my strengths. When batting in the powerplay, you are trying to access gaps to hit boundaries. Nice to have a big partnership with her. (On her form) Don't believe too much in form. Have to take each game as it comes. If you are putting in the work and focusing (on your strengths), you hope it comes off more often than not. I don't think it (captaincy) changes too much. Biggest thing is to play the style and brand this group wants to play. The intent with the bat...sometimes, you lose wickets but if each player can have the same intent. When the bowlers had the ball in their hand, the slower balls and the yorkers, it was outstanding. Pleasing to see all three facets put together. It is about putting repeated performances together and to keep that consistency going.

Losing Team Captain, Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W)  

Definitely not our best day. All credit to NZ - they outplayed us in all aspects. The way we started both innings did not help. Have a couple of days to reset. (On what let them down) Execution. They had plans and they nailed them. We mis-executed today - we will have some good chats tomorrow and get better.