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For South Africa: A dominant all-round display led by captain Amelia Kerr and a four-wicket haul from former skipper Sophie Devine powered New Zealand to a commanding 80-run victory over South Africa in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Bay Oval on Sunday. With the comprehensive win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series.

After opting to bat first, the White Ferns piled up an imposing 190/7 in their 20 overs, riding on an explosive innings from Kerr and a fluent knock by opener Georgia Plimmer.

The hosts suffered an early setback when Isabella Gaze was run out in the opening over, but Plimmer steadied the innings with a brisk 63 off 44 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. She shared a match-defining 146-run partnership with Kerr for the second wicket that put South Africa under sustained pressure.