Devine show gives New Zealand series lead with milestone win

Proving that age is just a number, former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine captured two crucial South Africa wickets before smashing a quickfire half-century to lead their chase in a six-wicket win against South Africa. The series is a key preparation point for both sides ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing down the target of 150 with eight balls to spare, New Zealand managed to secure their highest-ever chase in Women’s T20Is at home. Their previous best in New Zealand came against the West Indies at Seddon Park in Hamilton back in 2018.

Overall, this was the third-highest successful chase for New Zealand worldwide, with the first coming against South Africa in Benoni (Target 173) in 2023, while the second came against Australia in Melbourne (Target 152) in 2013.

New Zealand had begun the series with a bang, securing an 80-run win in Mount Maunganui. The Proteas fought back with a close win in Hamilton, but the White Ferns regained their advantage in the series today.

After Laura Wolvaardt elected to bat first, early strikes rattled the South African innings, before Wolvaardt (37) and Annerie Dercksen (27) stabilised the proceedings. Devine struck at a key moment, getting rid of Dercksen at the end of the eighth over mark to bring the hosts back into the contest.

New Zealand were right on mark thereafter, and despite Kayla Reyneke's feisty cameo (34*), the tourists were restricted to 149/7. Devine finished with 2/21, with fellow senior player Suzie Bates also ending with 2/10.

New Zealand lost wickets early before Devine joined forces with skipper Melie Kerr (30) to keep New Zealand on track. South Africa threatened to take the game away with back-to-back strikes in the middle overs, but Devine stood tall, acing the chase with assistance from Maddy Green (34*). Devine was the Player of the Match for her bowling performance, along with her unbeaten 55 off 38 balls, with seven boundaries to her account.

Speaking after the game, Devine had high praise for Green and discussed managing run-rate expectations in the format.

"We were pretty calm and relaxed. Helped that we had a platform. In women's cricket, if you let it (the asking rate) creep up to nine and ten, it can get tricky. Finishing off the game with an over to spare is something we speak of. She (Green) took pressure off me."

Skipper Melie was also pleased with how New Zealand were shaping up in the series.

"Important that she (Devine) stepped up and did the job today. These last three games, I have been extremely proud of the group. There is real belief. Loving how we are going about it. Energy on the field is something I am big on."

The fourth T20I of the series is all set to take place in Wellington on Sunday.