South Africa’s all-rounder Kayla Reyneke made a remarkable ODI debut by smashing a last-ball six against New Zealand, securing a thrilling two-wicket victory. This achievement also marks her as the first woman in international cricket to win player of the match awards on debut in multiple formats. Earlier, Kayla had achieved a similar feat on her T20I debut against Pakistan.
In a tense final over where South Africa needed 14 runs, Kayla, along with Tumi Sekhukhune, held her nerve against New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. With six runs required off three balls, Kayla’s boundary reduced the equation further before she sealed the win with a six off the final delivery. Her unbeaten 42 off 32 balls, including three fours and two sixes, proved pivotal in the Proteas’ victory.
Kayla Reyneke joins a select group of cricketers, becoming only the fifth overall to achieve this milestone across different formats. The second ODI between South Africa and New Zealand is scheduled for April 1 at Basin Reserve in Wellington, with South Africa leading the three-match series 1-0.
