Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa defeats New Zealand by 65 runs thanks to Chloe Tryon, putting the White Ferns in risk of being eliminated
After a rough start in Paarl, the tournament’s hosts hit 132 for six, rallying behind totals of 40 off 34 balls from Chloe Tryon and 28 not out off 26 balls from Nadine de Klerk. Following that, they had a devastating showing with the ball, with Sophie Devine, the skipper of New Zealand, leading the way with just 16 runs while Nonkululeko Mlaba shone, taking three wickets for just ten runs to secure the victory.
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Paarl [South Africa], Feb 14: Chloe Tryon’s all-around performance on Tuesday helped South Africa overcome New Zealand by 65 runs in their second game of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 to avenge their opening-day loss.
After a rocky start in Paarl, the tournament’s hosts reached 132 for six, in large part because of Chloe Tryon’s powerful 40 off 34 balls and Nadine de Klerk’s 28 not out off 26 balls.
Following that, they had a devastating showing with the ball, with Sophie Devine, the skipper of New Zealand, leading the way with just 16 runs while Nonkululeko Mlaba shone, taking three wickets for just ten runs to secure the victory.
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Although South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, it was New Zealand that delivered the game’s opening blow.
The hosts were four for one at the end of the first over after Tazmin Brits (1) was bowled by Eden Carson leg before wicket after only four deliveries for just one.
The next batter to bat just for nine runs was Marizanne Kapp, who had been moved up the order to make sure she got the most out of her batting partners.
Midway through the third over, the hosts were reeling at 13 for two as a result of her soaring hit, which led to Jess Kerr’s first day-opening catch off Lea Tahuhu’s bowling.
In the fourth over, the White Ferns believed they had a third wicket, but Sune Luus was given a reprieve when it was determined that the ball had fell short of the wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout.
Nevertheless, South Africa rallied despite the challenging beginning with to a 33-run third-wicket partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Luus.
As Wolvaardt and Luus’ connection was starting to flourish, the skipper was run out by Bezuidenhout for 22 off 17 balls as a result of a misunderstanding.
After eight overs, Tryon had the visitors at 55 for three before Tahuhu bowled Wolvaardt (13) with an excellent delivery.
When her team reached 76 for four, all-rounder Tryon started showcasing her power with the bat.
Tryon and Delmi Tucker’s combination was producing runs, adding 23 from 22 balls, but the latter was removed halfway through the 13th over after attempting a deliberate ramp shot from a Carson delivery.
When she was removed off the final ball of the penultimate over, Tryon had advanced South Africa’s score to 125.
After hitting 40 off just 34 balls, she was eventually caught by Bezuidenhout off the bowling of Hayley Jensen.
After a challenging start, De Klerk finished unbeaten on 28 from 26 deliveries, leaving South Africa with 132 for six, a very acceptable score.
White Ferns’ preferred bowler, Eden Carson, finished with 2/23 in four overs. In four overs, Hayley Jensen took 1/13 while Lea Tahuhu took 2/27.
That number was even more astounding when you consider that the White Ferns had early bat trouble as well.
After only two deliveries from Mlaba, Sinalo Jafta stumped Bezuidenhout for a duck.
At the beginning of the third over, the opening bowler added a second victim when she struck again, dismissing Suzie Bates for another duck.
That meant that in their opening two games of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, New Zealand had not scored a run.
Georgia Plimmer was caught by Jafta off Kapp for seven runs as South Africa maintained their strong start with the ball, leaving the White Ferns at 13 for three after four overs.
After that, things only got worse as they dropped to 18 for four after Amelia Kerr was caught by Jafta for ten.
After that, Tryon joined the attack and bowled for the first time during the competition, catching Maddy Green for seven.
With ten overs remaining, New Zealand was in serious trouble at 34 for five.
For the White Ferns, Devine and Jensen attempted to reorganise, but the game was beginning to elude them.
Jensen eventually ran out for seven, leaving New Zealand at 47 for six, thanks to some outstanding fielding from Ayabonga Khaka.
Devine’s wicket eventually fell shortly after, going leg before off Tryon after he had struck 16 out of 26 balls, bringing the score to 49 for seven.
The next wicket, Tahuhu, was caught in front by Mlaba, giving her a total of three for eight for the evening, which is a T20 international record for her.
With just under three over left, Shabnim Ismail claimed a wicket of her own by dismissing Jess Kerr for 11.
And after Fran Jonas was removed by Kapp for one, New Zealand was unable to continue, going all out for their lowest-ever tournament total of 67.
Due to her innings of 40 runs and 2/12 in the match, Chloe was named “Player of the Match.”
Brief Scores: South Africa defeated New Zealand 67 all out in 18.1 overs (Sophie Devine 16, Jess Kerr 11, Nonkululeko Mlaba 3/10) by 65 runs with a total of 132/6 (Chloe Tryon 40, Nadine De Klerk 28; Eden Carson 2/23).
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