Luus hails Proteas youth after dramatic ODI win
Sune Luus has praised emerging talent and key performances as South Africa look to build on a thrilling ODI series opener in New Zealand.
Sune Luus believes South Africa’s young players are setting the tone for the future after a dramatic opening win against New Zealand in the three-match ODI series, a part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Runners-up at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the Proteas edged a thrilling two-wicket victory in Christchurch. 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke sealed the result with an unbeaten 42, including a last-ball six.
“It’s great signs for the future of South African cricket. It’s awesome just to see the players come in and just flourish like that,” Luus said.
“I think when we were younger, I can’t remember being that confident or just coming in and hitting sixes for fun. It’s really awesome to see how the women’s game has grown and how Kayla just took responsibility and earned it.”
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The win was also powered by a standout bowling effort from Ayabonga Khaka, who claimed a career-best six wickets to dismantle the White Ferns’ batting line-up.
“She took wickets at crucial times. She’s been a senior bowler for us for a very long time and always takes responsibility and loves a good challenge,” Luus shared.
“I’m very happy for her. It’s a great milestone to get a six-fer. Hopefully, she can just continue picking up all the wickets for the next couple of games,” she added.
With the bat, Luus herself played a key role alongside Annerie Dercksen, stitching together a crucial 123-run partnership to steady the chase.
“Derckie is an interesting one to bat with. I don’t think she takes it very seriously. It was fun to bat with her. When she’s in, the runs are just flowing.”
“She’s a very powerful hitter of the ball. I think we were cruising when we came in, batting at a run-a-ball together. It was just important for us to stay calm and to have that long partnership, and just to take it as deep as possible.
“Obviously, we know that the longer you bat, the better it gets. If you’re there at the end, you know you have a better chance of winning. I’m glad we could take it deep. Hopefully, tomorrow we can just have someone in the top four stay there at the 40th over and just reach those goals again.”
With valuable ICC Women’s Championship points on the line, Luus stressed the importance of maintaining momentum as South Africa push for direct qualification to the 2029 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Series schedule
1st ODI - Sunday, 29 March - Hagley Oval, Christchurch (South Africa won by 2 wickets)
2nd ODI - Wednesday, 01 April - Basin Reserve, Wellington
3rd ODI - Saturday, 04 April - Basin Reserve, Wellington