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[Saba Sports News] Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk played pivotal roles as South Africa secured an 11-run victory over the New Zealand women’s team in the fifth and final T20I held at Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni on Sunday, October 15th. New Zealand emerged victorious in the fourth T20I, while the first three matches were canceled due to various reasons.
In terms of the match’s proceedings, New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to field first against the Proteas women. South Africa made a solid start with captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits opening the innings. They forged a partnership of over 30 runs in the initial five overs before Lea Tahuhu dismissed Wolvaardt for 24 runs. Brits then attempted to stabilize the innings alongside Anneke Bosch, but Molly Penfold sent Brits back to the pavilion after she had scored 28 runs.
Nevertheless, Brits displayed resilience and played a crucial innings despite narrowly missing a half-century by just five runs. She accumulated 45 runs from 38 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and a maximum, before falling to Tahuhu. Sune Luus contributed an unbeaten 36 runs, helping South Africa set a competitive target of 155 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
New Zealand also made a steady start in their chase. Masabata Klaas made a significant contribution for South Africa, taking the wicket of Kate Anderson for just 11 runs in the third over. Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr then built a substantial partnership. However, Nadine de Klerk made a crucial breakthrough in the 16th over by dismissing Bates (45) via lbw.
Kerr continued to exhibit power-hitting and achieved a crucial half-century for her side. However, her efforts ultimately proved insufficient as South Africa managed to limit New Zealand to 144 runs within the allocated overs. Kerr, a right-handed batter, amassed 61 runs from just 47 balls, including nine fours.
Both Klaas and Nadine were instrumental for the South African side, with impressive figures of 3/26 and 3/24, respectively. Additionally, Ayabonga Khaka secured one wicket for the team led by Wolvaardt.