Amelia Kerr, who is known for her composure and poise,
scored an undefeated century to help New Zealand reach their target of 210 runs
in 45 overs in Durban on what their skipper Sophie Devine described as a
“tricky surface.” It was a consolation victory for New Zealand
because the series had already been decided by hosts South Africa by winning
the first two ODIs. The Women’s Championship table now has New Zealand in fifth
place and South Africa in second place, both behind India, thanks to two
points.
Despite losing a fired-up Marizanne Kapp after just
three overs of bowling in the chase, her pulse rate soared and she exited the
pitch out of caution. They will also regret the fielding errors, lost catches,
and missed run-out opportunities that could have altered the outcome. CSA had
later stated that she was “doing well and resting in the changeroom.”
With ten balls remaining, New Zealand’s batters, spearheaded by Kerr’s fourth
ODI century, capitalised on the errors.
When New Zealand decided to bowl instead of bat, its
quick bowlers Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu, and Devine combined to reduce South
Africa to 43 for 3 in the 12th over, putting the hosts in trouble. When it
seemed like in-form captain Laura Wolvaardt and Kapp would hold them steady,
Devine sent Wolvaardt back while playing her signature drive for a 54-ball 24
with a drag-on. From that point on, Kapp not only saved the innings but also
advanced quickly despite wickets falling all around her.
She had significant help from Chloe Tryon, who was
participating in her 100th ODI, during a 58-run fifth-wicket stand, and Sinola
Jafta during a partnership of 41 for the seventh wicket. Following Jafta’s
catch behind off Tahuhu, Kapp edged behind for 72 off 73 off Kerr, bringing the
score to 188. In just 44.3 overs, South Africa was out for 209 runs.
With the help of 11 fours, the most of which came from
behind square and through the covers, Kerr had reached a respectable 87.
Together with Halliday, she had made sure that the asking rate had remained
below six an over for the majority of their partnership. When it did, Halliday
hit Klaas for three fours in one over before Kerr reached 99 with a four in the
following over and tapped the ball towards point to pinch the single that gave
her the victory in both the match and the game.