Bengaluru, March 26 (Cricketnmore): New Zealand produced an all-round performance to outclass South Africa by seven wickets in Women's World Twenty20 Group A clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.
Batting first, South Africa were bundled out for just 99 in 19.3 overs, thanks to Sophie Devine (3-16), Leigh Kasperek (3-19) and Erin Bermingham (2-14) and New Zealand comfortably chased down the total, scoring 100/3 in 14.3 overs.
Chasing the target, openers Suzie Bates (29) and Rachel Priest (28) got New Zealand off to a flying start, adding 57 runs for the first wicket.
But South Africa struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both to have New Zealand reduced to 72/2 in 10.2 overs.
Incoming batsman Devine however scored an unbeaten 27 to steer her team to victory.
Earlier, put into bat, South Africa batswomen were never in the game as they lost wickets at regular intervals with the team at 59/4 in 12.3 overs. While Marizanne Kapp (22) held on, she lost partners in other end.
Brief scores: South Africa 99 in 19.3 overs (Marizanne Kapp 22, Sophie Devine 3-16, Leigh Kasperek 3-19, Erin Bermingham 2-14 vs New Zealand 100/3 in 14.3 overs (Rachel Priest 28, Masabata Klaas 1-11).
Agency.