New Zealand beat South Africa by 80 runs in 1st T20I

March 15, 2026

Mount Maunganui: Captain Amelia Kerr starred with the bat while former skipper Sophie Devine delivered a brilliant bowling spell as New Zealand women’s national cricket team defeated South Africa women’s national cricket team by 80 runs in the first match of the three-game T20I series at Bay Oval on Sunday.

With the convincing victory, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Kerr, Plimmer power New Zealand to big total

After choosing to bat first, New Zealand posted a strong total of 190/7 in 20 overs. The hosts lost Isabella Gaze early after she was run out in the opening over, but opener Georgia Plimmer stabilised the innings with an impressive 63 off 44 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.

Plimmer then shared a crucial 146-run partnership for the second wicket with Kerr. The skipper played an outstanding knock of 78 from 44 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes to lead the innings.

Late contributions from Devine (12), Brooke Halliday (13) and Maddy Green (10) helped New Zealand push the total close to 200.

For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Masabata Klaas picked up wickets, with Klaas conceding only 15 runs in her four overs.

Devine’s four wickets seal easy win

Chasing 191, South Africa struggled from the start. Sune Luus scored 10 before getting out, while captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for a duck, leaving the visitors at 17/2 in the fourth over.

Tazmin Brits tried to rebuild with 29 runs from 35 balls. Chloe Tryon added nine, and Nadine de Klerk contributed 19, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals.

Devine led the bowling attack with an excellent spell of 4/12 in four overs. Jess Kerr also impressed with two wickets while giving away just 13 runs.

A late effort from Kayla Reyneke, who remained unbeaten on 24, helped South Africa reach 110/7, but New Zealand comfortably secured the win.