South Africa’s young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke continued her impressive start to international cricket by delivering another match-winning performance as the Proteas drew level in their five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
The 20-year-old received widespread praise after South Africa secured a narrow 18-run victory in the second T20I at Hamilton on Tuesday. Reyneke provided a decisive late surge, striking three successive sixes off experienced New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine in the final over of the innings. Her cameo helped South Africa post a competitive total of 177/5 at Seddon Park, which ultimately proved enough as the hosts fell short in their chase.
Although she scored just 28 not out from nine balls, Reyneke’s impact was significant enough to earn her the Player of the Match award in only her third senior international appearance. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt praised the youngster’s composure and striking ability after the game.
“It was hard to sort of just come in and get going straight away, so I’m not too sure how Kayla did that”, Wolvaardt said post-match.
“That was some really clean power hitting. It is really nice with the ball striking that we have in our lineup and to know that we have power like that still to come.”
Reyneke first caught attention on the international stage during the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2025, where she played a key role in South Africa’s run to the final. She later earned a senior call-up for the home T20I series against Pakistan last month, where she also delivered a Player of the Match display with an unbeaten 29 and two crucial wickets.
Reflecting on her rapid transition to senior cricket, Reyneke expressed her enjoyment of the experience. “Playing Under-19 cricket gives you a taste of international (matches), but it is not fully what you expect here and I am enjoying every moment in the setup,” she admitted after the match.
For New Zealand, captain Melie Kerr once again led from the front, top-scoring with 32 and claiming two wickets. Five other batters reached double figures but were unable to convert their starts into significant contributions.
Despite the defeat, Kerr felt the closely contested encounter would benefit her side as they build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, beginning on June 12.
“There were some great signs (today) and it just shows how small moments win games and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of this today,” Kerr added.
The third T20I of the series is scheduled to take place in Auckland on Friday.
