South Africa all-rounder Sune Luus reached a significant career landmark at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on April 1, 2026, becoming only the third Proteas woman — after Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp — to make 150 ODI appearances.
Batting at No. 4 in the second ODI against New Zealand, led by Amelia Kerr, the 30-year-old contributed a determined 40 from 43 balls, striking four boundaries as South Africa posted a commanding 346/6 in their 50 overs. She also made an impact with the ball, returning figures of 1-21 from three overs. However, her efforts ended in disappointment as Kerr’s unbeaten 179 off 139 deliveries guided New Zealand to a record-breaking chase, sealing a two-wicket win and levelling the three-match series 1-1.
Series context and recent form
The milestone came during South Africa’s tour of New Zealand from March 15 to April 4, 2026, which included a five-match T20I series — won 4-1 by the hosts — followed by the ODIs. South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, had taken the lead in the series with a two-wicket win in the opener, before Kerr’s match-winning innings in the second game set up a decider at the same venue on April 4.
Luus has been among South Africa’s standout performers on the tour, scoring 93 runs across two innings at a strike rate of 80.86 and an average of 46.50, including a half-century. She is currently the team’s leading run-scorer and the fourth-highest run-getter in the series.
Career highlights
Luus’ journey to 150 ODIs began with her debut against Bangladesh in Mirpur on September 6, 2012. Since then, she has accumulated 3,120 runs in 130 innings at an average of 28.10 and a strike rate of 69.72, registering 21 fifties and two centuries.
Her highest point with the bat came on December 16, 2025, when she scored 114 off 113 balls, including 13 boundaries and one six, against Ireland at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, helping South Africa post 375/6 and secure a 74-run victory.
With the ball, Luus has taken 128 wickets in 108 innings at an average of 23.78 and an economy rate of 4.60. Her record includes three four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls, with her best figures of 6-36 coming against Ireland in Dublin on August 5, 2016, in a match South Africa won by 89 runs while defending 284.
Looking ahead
As South Africa, under Wolvaardt’s leadership, look to bounce back from their 32-run defeat to New Zealand in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, Luus’ milestone adds further significance ahead of the next edition in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, 2026. At 30, she continues to play a key role for the Proteas, combining experience with consistent all-round contributions.
