Kayla Reyneke’s last-ball six on her ODI debut led South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket win over New Zealand at Hagley Oval. She remained unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls, steering the Proteas to victory after Ayabonga Khaka’s impressive 6-56 restricted New Zealand to 268. Annerie Dercksen’s 72 and Sune Luus’ 53 were crucial in keeping South Africa’s chase alive before Kayla’s heroics.
New Zealand, batting first, saw Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr guiding them before Khaka and Chloe Tryon’s strikes left them struggling at 112/4. Maddy Green’s half-century and partnerships with Izzy Gaze and Jess Kerr helped New Zealand post a competitive total. Khaka’s late wickets limited New Zealand to 268.
South Africa faced early setbacks but Annerie and Sune’s 123-run partnership revived their innings. However, New Zealand fought back, dismissing key batters. With the chase in trouble at 190/6, Nadine de Klerk and Kayla added crucial runs. In a tense finish, Kayla’s late heroics, supported by Tumi Sekhukhune, secured a dramatic win for South Africa.
