Young all-rounder wins praise after Proteas level T20I series

Inexperienced all-rounder Kayla Reyneke won plenty of praise as South Africa levelled their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a thrilling 18-run victory in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Reyneke smashed three consecutive sixes off New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine in the final over of South Africa's innings to catapult her side to a decent score of 177/5 in the second T20I of the series at Seddon Park and that late flurry proved the difference as the hosts fell short in pursuit of the victory target.

While Reyneke only managed to contribute 28 not out from nine deliveries, it proved enough for the 20-year-old to be adjudged the Player of the Match in just her third international appearance and win plenty of plaudits from South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt.

"It was hard to sort of just come in and get going straight away, so I'm not too sure how Kayla did that", Wolvaardt said post-match.

"That was some really clean power hitting. It is really nice with the ball striking that we have in our lineup and to know that we have power like that still to come."

Reyneke previously played a major role in helping South Africa progress to the final of the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2025 when captain, with the all-rounder then earning a first senior international call-up to take on Pakistan in a T20I at home last month.

She impressed with 29 not out and two crucial wickets to win the Player of the Match award on that occasion and matched that effort against the White Ferns with another superb cameo that will surely put the youngster in the frame for selection at this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

"It was pretty sick," Reyneke admitted after the match.

"Batting with Wolvaardt is a dream come true and I am happy to get a win for the team.

"Playing Under-19 cricket gives you a taste of international (matches), but it is not fully what you expect here and I am enjoying every moment in the setup."

New Zealand skipper Melie Kerr once again led the way for her side by top-scoring with 32 and picking up two wickets, while five other batters also reached double figures but failed to go on and make a big score.

While disappointed with the result, Kerr suggested the high-pressure contest will leave her side in good stead for the T20 World Cup that commences in England on June 12.

"There were some great signs (today) and it just shows how small moments win games and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of this today," Kerr added.

The third match of the series will be held in Auckland on Friday.

Series schedule:

First T20I: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, March 15 (New Zealand won by 80 runs)
Second T20I: Seddon Park, Hamilton, March 17 (South Africa won by 18 runs)
Third T20I: Eden Park, Auckland, March 20
Fourth T20I: Sky Stadium, Wellington, March 22
Fifth T20I: Hagley Oval, Christchurch, March 25