Ayabonga Khaka marked a major milestone during the second ODI in Wellington, becoming only the third South African seamer after Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp to reach 150 ODI wickets, while also making her 200th international appearance.
The landmark came at the Basin Reserve, where the experienced pacer delivered a determined spell of 10-0-51-3 while defending a target of 347. Although South Africa were edged out by two wickets as New Zealand completed a record chase of 350/8, powered by Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 179 from 139 balls, Khaka’s performance stood out in a contest that levelled the series 1-1.
Key role in closely fought series
The achievement came during South Africa’s tour of New Zealand from March 15 to April 4, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. While New Zealand won the T20I series 4-1, South Africa had taken the lead in the ODIs with a two-wicket victory in the opening match at Hagley Oval.
Khaka played a decisive role in that win, producing figures of 10-1-56-6 to help dismiss New Zealand for 268 before Kayla Reyneke’s unbeaten 42 from 32 balls, including a last-ball six, sealed the result. Across the first two ODIs, Khaka has been the leading wicket-taker in the series with nine wickets at an average of 11.88 and an economy rate of 5.35.
Consistency across formats
Khaka’s ODI career began on September 6, 2012, against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Since then, she has taken 151 wickets in 121 matches and 120 innings at an average of 26.29 and an economy of 4.30. Her record includes two four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls, with her best figures of 6 for 56 coming in the first ODI of this series at Hagley Oval on March 29, 2026.
With the bat, she has added 164 runs from 56 innings, often contributing useful lower-order runs.
In T20 internationals, Khaka debuted on September 11, 2012, also against Bangladesh in Mirpur. She has claimed 70 wickets in 79 matches and 78 innings at an average of 26.07 and an economy rate of 6.86, including three four-wicket hauls. Her best figures of 4 for 23 came against Ireland at Solihull on September 9, 2014, in a match South Africa won by 46 runs while defending 162. She has also scored 52 runs in 19 innings in the format.
Milestone ahead of series decider
As the series heads into the deciding ODI on April 4, 2026, at the same venue, Khaka’s milestone highlights her long-standing contribution to South African cricket. Her ability to deliver in key moments continues to make her a central figure in the team’s bowling attack.
