New Zealand Women produced an impressive batting performance to chase down a target of 184 and defeat South Africa Women by five wickets in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match. Led by a superb captain’s innings from Amelia Kerr, the defending champions completed the chase with two balls to spare after South Africa had earlier posted an imposing 183/5.
The high-scoring encounter provided both teams with valuable preparation ahead of the tournament, but it was New Zealand who emerged victorious thanks to a fearless batting display and key contributions from several top-order players.
Chloe Tryon’s Late Blitz Lifts South Africa
After New Zealand elected to bowl first, South Africa recovered from an inconsistent start to post a challenging total.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt provided early momentum with a fluent 43 from 27 deliveries, striking eight boundaries before being dismissed by Jess Kerr. However, South Africa lost Sune Luus for 4 and Dané van Niekerk for 3, preventing them from fully capitalising on the powerplay.
Nadine de Klerk then played a crucial role in rebuilding the innings. She scored 46 from 33 balls, hitting seven boundaries and helping South Africa maintain a healthy scoring rate through the middle overs.
The real acceleration came in the final stages thanks to Chloe Tryon. The explosive all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 61 from just 26 balls, hammering three fours and six sixes. Her innings transformed a good total into a formidable one and ensured South Africa finished on 183/5.
Kayla Reyneke added a quick unbeaten 8 from two deliveries, while seven wides contributed to the final total.
For New Zealand, Sophie Devine delivered the most economical spell, taking 2/16 from three overs. Jess Kerr also impressed with figures of 2/21, while Amelia Kerr claimed the wicket of de Klerk.
New Zealand Launch Aggressive Chase
New Zealand approached the chase with positive intent from the outset.
Georgia Plimmer provided a solid foundation with 38 from 30 balls, while wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze added a quick 13 before being stumped by Karabo Meso off Chloe Tryon.
The momentum increased significantly when Sophie Devine arrived at the crease. The experienced all-rounder blasted 28 from just 13 balls, striking three fours and two sixes to keep New Zealand ahead of the required rate.
However, the defining innings came from captain Amelia Kerr.
Amelia Kerr Leads From the Front
Kerr produced one of the standout knocks of the warm-up matches, scoring a magnificent 61 from only 32 deliveries.
The New Zealand skipper attacked from the beginning, striking nine fours and two sixes while maintaining a strike rate above 190. Her aggressive approach shifted the pressure firmly onto South Africa and ensured New Zealand remained in control of the chase.
Kerr eventually fell after being stumped by Karabo Meso off Nonkululeko Mlaba, but by then she had already laid the platform for victory.
Brooke Halliday contributed 21 from 19 balls, while Maddy Green remained unbeaten on 19 from 13 deliveries to guide New Zealand over the line. Izzy Sharp finished unbeaten on 1 as the White Ferns reached 186/5 in 19.4 overs.
South Africa’s Bowlers Struggle for Control
South Africa rotated seven bowlers during the defense but struggled to consistently contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting lineup.
Ayabonga Khaka finished as the leading wicket-taker with 2/41, while Nonkululeko Mlaba delivered an excellent spell of 1/26 from four overs. Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon also claimed one wicket each.
Marizanne Kapp was relatively economical with 0/22 from three overs, but several bowlers leaked runs at crucial stages. Kayla Reyneke endured a particularly difficult outing, conceding 21 runs in her only over.
Positive Signs Ahead of the World Cup
Despite the defeat, South Africa will take encouragement from the performances of Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt and Nadine de Klerk. Their batting unit demonstrated the firepower needed to compete against the strongest teams in the tournament.
For New Zealand, the victory highlighted the depth and balance of their squad. Amelia Kerr’s outstanding innings, combined with valuable contributions from Plimmer, Devine and Green, underlined why the defending champions remain one of the favourites for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
