New Zealand had a terrific start to their innings after the early dismissal of Suzie Bates. The White Ferns’ score was 101-2 at the end of 25 overs. Skipper Sophie Devine continued from where she left off against Australia, as she had struck a ton. New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine started to assert her dominance from the word go, which put the Proteas on back foot.
South Africa blow away New Zealand in powerplay overs
After electing to bat first, New Zealand got off to a worst start. The lethal speedster Marizanne Kapp bowled an immaculate line & length delivery first up and trapped Suzie Bates. Suzie Bates was out for a rare golden duck, but now has two back-to-back low scores for a seasoned campaigner. There was a different kind of vigor in Proteas players who were in the face of White Ferns’ batters.
New Zealand had a steady powerplay overs phase where they scored 38 runs for the loss of 1 over. Marizanne Kapp & Ayabonga Khaka were spot on with their line & lengths. The surface at Indore astounded everyone as it wasn’t a belter a wicket like the Australia vs New Zealand match, as the pitch was starting to deceive and misbehave a lot.
Sophie Devine & Georgia Plimmer dominate South Africa
The partnership between Amelia Kerr & Georgia Plimmer was looking threatening. In the 13th over, Amelia Kerr was duped by Nadine de Klerk as her ambitious inside-out cover drive shot backfired massively. Amelia Kerr was dismissed on 23 runs in 42 balls as New Zealand’s score was 44-2 in 13 overs. At the first drinks break, New Zealand’s score was 51-2.
Post drinks break, Sophie Devine unleashed an attack on the opposition. In the 18th over, Sophie Devine smashed 2 back to back fours on the bowling of Marizanne Kapp & Sophie Devine was playing proper cricketing shots. The surface, which had demons in it, but for Sophie Devine, she was whacking bowlers around the park for fun. New Zealand’s run rate got a boost. At the halfway mark, New Zealand’s score was 101-2.
Georgia Plimmer, who was blatantly seen struggling throughout her knock, also got her confidence back. Sophie Devine & Georgia Plimmer were very quick between the wickets and capitalised on opportunities. It was a great phase for New Zealand post 15 overs as the White Ferns clawed their way back in the game. South Africa, though, conceded 17 extras, which are a bit too much when half of the innings is remaining.
What lies ahead for New Zealand & South Africa
Sophie Devine would be eyeing yet another three-digit score as there’s ample time left in the match. The pitch undoubtedly looks uneven, and most probably, it will deteriorate as the game progresses ahead. There’s rough created for spinners, and now Chloe Tryon & Nonkululeko Mlaba would likely bowl in tandem and breakthe partnership of Sophie Devie & Georgia Plimmer.
It’s going to be a fascinating phase of the next 15 overs before the death overs start as South Africa need quick wickets before Sophie Devine plays yet another ruthless knock. New Zealand skipper, though, is looking at a mission as a score around 250 would be match winning given the pitch and conditions. Laura Wolvaardt needs to use the overs of Marizanne Kapp quite smartly now, with only 4 overs left, as Kapp is often termed the bowler with the golden arm. South Africa, though, is still in the match but can’t afford to let the game drift away.
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