Amelia Kerr struck her second T20I century with a blistering 55-ball 105 and also claimed two wickets as New Zealand secured a comprehensive 92-run victory over South Africa in the fifth T20I. The result sealed a 4-1 series triumph for the hosts at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Asked to bat first, New Zealand suffered an early setback when Isabella Gaze was dismissed in the second over. However, Kerr and Georgia Plimmer steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership for the second wicket. South Africa briefly fought back when Tumi Sekhukhune removed Plimmer and Sophie Devine in consecutive deliveries in the ninth over, but Kerr continued to accelerate.
The New Zealand skipper targeted Sune Luus and Sekhukhune in successive overs, striking two boundaries off each bowler while building momentum alongside Brooke Halliday. Their 73-run stand set the platform for a strong total, and Kerr further intensified the scoring in the death overs. Despite Ayabonga Khaka claiming two wickets late in the innings, New Zealand finished on 194 for 6.
South Africa Struggle in Chase
South Africa’s pursuit never gathered pace as Lea Tahuhu and Devine dismantled the top order, reducing the visitors to 40 for 4 inside the powerplay. Annerie Dercksen attempted to revive the innings but found limited support. She was eventually dismissed by Kerr after scoring 23, and the remaining batters failed to mount a meaningful resistance as South Africa ended on 102 for 9.
Kerr’s all-round display earned her both the player of the match and player of the tournament honours.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 194/6 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 105, Georgia Plimmer 27; Ayabonga Khaka 3-32, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-32) beat South Africa 102/9 in 20 overs (Annerie Dercksen 23; Lea Tahuhu 3-15, Amelia Kerr 2-6) by 92 runs
