South Africa keep T20I series alive with thrilling win over New Zealand

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This was South Africa's first win of the five-match series after having lost the previous two games.

Marizanne Kapp made a rapid 20 before falling to Holly Huddleston inside the Powerplay, and Lizelle Lee fell to Sophie Devine in the eighth over as South Africa slipped to 56/3. van Niekerk then focussed on rebuilding and found an able ally in Mignon du Preez as the duo added 46 for the fourth wicket. After du Preez' dismissal to Amelia Kerr, South Africa were in need of acceleration and Tryon didn't disappoint.

In 16 balls, she hit two fours and three sixes to finish the game in a flurry of boundaries. Van Niekerk's dismissal for 42 in the 19th over threatened to disrupt South Africa's progress, but that only fuelled Tryon's fire as she struck two of her sixes in the next four balls she faced to put her side over the line.

Earlier, Sophie Devine extended her run of brilliant form, bringing up another superb half-century. The New Zealand skipper struck seven fours and four sixes in 57 balls to score 77 runs, before falling to Sune Luus in the latter stages of the innings. Her effort had been supported by Suzie Bates, who made an 18-ball 23 in a 60-run stand for the second wicket.

Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, finishing with returns of 2/14 in three overs. The fourth T20I will be played in Wellington on Monday, 10 February.