SA-W vs NZ-W, 5th T20I Review: Brits, Klaas, Klerk make all the difference as South Africa take final T20I

Masabata Klaas and Nadine de Klerk starred as South Africa defeated New Zealand women by 11 runs in the fifth and final T20I at the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni on October 15, Sunday. New Zealand won the fourth T20I while the first three games were called off. 

In terms of the game, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine won the toss and invited the Proteas women to bat first. South Africa got off to a solid start, with captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits opening the innings. The duo managed to create a 30-plus run partnership in five overs before Lea Tahuhu dismissed Wolvaardt for just 24 runs. Brits then attempted to steady the innings with Anneke Bosch before Molly Penfold sent the former back to the pavilion for 28 runs. 

However, Brits stood firm for her side and played a crucial knock despite missing a half-century for just five runs. She amassed 45 off just 38 deliveries, including five boundaries and one maximum, before being dismissed by Tahuhu. Sune Luus then scored an unbeaten 36 to help South Africa set a reasonable target of 155 in 20 overs.

New Zealand also made a steady start during the chase. Meanwhile, Masabata Klaas provided South Africa their first breakthrough, dismissing Kate Anderson for just 11 runs in the third over. Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr then managed to create a significant partnership. However, Nadine de Klerk struck in the 16th over and dismissed Bates (45) by lbw.

Kerr went on to continue her power-hitting and scored a crucial half-century for her side. However, her efforts went in vain as South Africa restricted New Zealand by 144 in allotted overs. The right-handed batter amassed 61 off a mere 47 balls, which included nine fours.

Klaas and Nadine were key for the home side, who have finished with excellent figures of 3/26 and 3/24. Apart from them, Ayabonga Khaka also made one scalp for the Wolvaardt-led side.