New Zealand capped off a spectacular home campaign by completely outplaying South Africa in the fifth and final T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch to build momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The hosts secured a resounding 92-run victory on Wednesday to officially wrap up the five-match T20I series with a comprehensive 4-1 margin. After South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, New Zealand punished the visitors by posting a mammoth 194/6 in their 20 overs, led by skipper Melie Kerr. In response, a clinical and relentless Kiwi bowling attack restricted the Proteas to a mere 102/9, ensuring a massive victory to close out the series.
Kerr was the undisputed star of the game as she delivered a historic all-round masterclass to earn the Player of the Match award. Taking the South African bowling attack to the cleaners, Kerr notched up a sensational century, scoring a blistering 105 runs off just 55 deliveries.
Her stellar knock was studded with 19 boundaries and a towering six, single-handedly propelling the hosts to their formidable total.
Not content with just her batting heroics, Kerr then weaved her magic with the ball. She stifled the South African run chase, returning with superb bowling figures of 2/6 in her three overs.
