South Africa Women defeated New Zealand Women by 18 runs in the second match of their five-game T20I series at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday. The Proteas posted 177 for 5 in their 20 overs before bowling out the White Ferns for 159 in 19.1 overs.
The victory levels the series at 1-1, serving as a critical evaluation period for both international sports rosters ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2026 in England. The result reverses the trajectory established on March 14, when New Zealand secured an 80-run win at Bay Oval after posting 190 for 7.
South Africa built their total on a 62-run opening stand between Tazmin Brits, who scored 53 runs off 43 balls, and Sune Luus, who added 31 off 21 deliveries. Captain Laura Wolvaardt anchored the middle phase with a 41-run contribution from 33 balls.
The innings escalated in the final over when 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke struck an unbeaten 28 runs off nine balls. Reyneke hit three consecutive sixes off New Zealand’s Sophie Devine to close the innings. Her performance earned her Player of the Match honors. Reyneke made her senior international debut in February 2026 against Pakistan.
New Zealand commenced their chase aggressively. Captain Amelia Kerr scored 32 off 18 balls, and Devine added 25 off 18 balls, pushing the hosts to 71 for 3 inside the first seven overs.
Following the dismissal of the top order, New Zealand experienced a severe middle-order collapse. Veteran pacer Ayabonga Khaka dismantled the chase, finishing with figures of 4 for 27. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba provided essential support by claiming 3 for 27 to break critical partnerships, resulting in the hosts being bowled out with five balls remaining in the innings.