New Zealand look to carry on the momentum as South Africa regroup

Buoyed by their win in the first encounter of the five-match T20 series, New Zealand would be looking to continue the winning momentum when they face South Africa in the second game at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday (February 6). The hosts lost the ODI series 0-3 and a good performance in the shorter format will give them an adequate boost going into the T20 World Cup starting in Australia from February 21.    

The New Zealand bowlers, who had a torrid time during the ODI series, dished out a much better performance in the first T20 encounter restricting a in-form batting line-up to 116 for nine in 20 overs. In reply, skipper Sophie Devine hit a magnificent half-century leading the team over the line in just 12.2 overs losing just a wicket in the process.

“It was nice to get a win in the first T20. It was a disappointing ODI series for us against South Africa but we are looking forward to this T20 series especially for the T20 World Cup,” said allrounder Amelia Kerr ahead of the clash.

As many as seven players in the current New Zealand side have been a part of the recently-concluded Women’s Big Bash League and Super Smash, and the Kiwi team management would want them to continue the momentum going into the mega event.

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“We have been playing a lot of T20 cricket at this moment. We have quite a few players who were at the Big Bash League and the Super Smash back home. We have quite a dangerous side with powerful players we have,” added Kerr.

On the other hand, it was a reality check for the South Africans. Barring opener Laura Wolvaardt, none of their batters could really leave an impression on the New Zealand bowling and will have to pull their socks up to have a chance for a comeback in the series.  

Disappointed at their comprehensive loss to New Zealand hosts, Proteas seamer, Ayabonga Khaka who has made an encouraging comeback to international cricket following an injury-ravaged 2019, has promised the team will regroup, come hard and enjoy victory against the Devine-led side.

“The last result did not go to our liking and we have to turn that around pretty quickly,” she said after the team’s training session. “Hopefully the good form that we showed early in the tour starts again tomorrow (February 6). It’s always a big challenge against New Zealand but it’s one that we appreciate and we need to be aggressive from the onset.”

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Visiting skipper Dane van Niekerk, Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp, all missed the T20I opener in Mount Maunganui and Khaka was confident that the inclusion of the big three will be influential and help in lifting the character of the team in the remaining matches.  

“It would be great to have all three of them (Kapp, van Niekerk, and Luus) back as they bring a lot of experience to the team. The role they play in this team is crucial and it will go a long way in helping us get the necessary win we need to come back in this T20 series,” added Khaka.

Whether South Africa walk Khaka's talk will be keenly watch. As for New Zealand, they would want to carry on the winning momentum.

Squads

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Lea Tahuhu.

South Africa: Dane Van Niekerk (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Mignon Du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase.