White Ferns Win T20 Series Against South Africa | Devine Stars

Wellington, New Zealand – The White Ferns secured a Twenty20 series victory over South Africa on Sunday, winning the fourth match by six wickets with nine balls to spare at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. The win gives New Zealand an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Sophie Devine once again proved pivotal for the White Ferns, scoring 64 runs off 45 balls, including six fours and four sixes, in her 150th T20 International appearance. Her innings marked her 23rd half-century in the format and completed New Zealand’s highest run chase on home soil. The White Ferns were set a target of 160 after South Africa posted 159-6 from their 20 overs.

Jess Kerr delivered a career-best bowling performance, claiming 3-16 from her four overs, which significantly hampered South Africa’s top order. Kerr dismissed South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt for 10 runs from 17 deliveries.

Despite Kerr’s strong start, South Africa’s middle and lower order rallied, adding 99 runs in the final 60 balls of their innings. Annerie Dercksen contributed a maiden T20 half-century, scoring 50 runs off 30 deliveries.

The White Ferns had taken a 2-1 lead in the series after a victory at Eden Park earlier in the week, where Devine scored an unbeaten 55 off 38 balls in an 84-run partnership with Maddy Green. Following that match, Devine acknowledged the importance of team contributions, stating, “I think that’s the most pleasing thing. Those sort of totals can be pretty niggly. So for us to do the job with an over to spare, you know, that’s going to deliver the great confidence going into the last couple of games of the series.”

The final match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday in Christchurch, where both the women’s and men’s teams will play.