New Zealand Women scripted a memorable turnaround at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, securing a convincing 66-run victory over South Africa Women in the third and final ODI. What made this win truly special wasn’t just the margin, but the dramatic way the match unfolded—starting with early disaster and ending in complete dominance.

Maddy Green’s century defines New Zealand’s innings

The home side had a nightmare start after being asked to bat first. Within just a few overs, they were in deep trouble at 3 for 3. Experienced names like Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer and captain Amelia Kerr were dismissed cheaply, leaving the team shaken. South Africa’s bowlers, especially Ayanda Hlubi and Tumi Sekhukhune, exploited the early conditions brilliantly, swinging the ball and maintaining tight lines.

At that moment, it looked like New Zealand might struggle to even post a competitive total. But cricket often rewards patience and partnerships – and that’s exactly what followed. Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday came together and completely changed the narrative of the game.

The duo displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Instead of panicking, they focused on rebuilding the innings brick by brick. As the overs ticked by, their confidence grew. Green, in particular, played a magnificent innings, finishing unbeaten on 141 from 128 balls. Her knock was a perfect blend of control and aggression, finding boundaries with ease while keeping the scoreboard moving.

A spectacular 141 off just 128 balls* from Maddy Green 🥇#NZvSA #MaddyGreen #WhiteFerns pic.twitter.com/zz8QWOoou1

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) April 4, 2026

Halliday, on the other hand, played the ideal partner’s role, contributing a steady 98. She rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, ensuring the pressure shifted back onto South Africa. Together, they stitched a massive 211-run partnership for the fourth wicket, turning a dire situation into a position of strength.

By the time Halliday was dismissed, New Zealand had regained full control. The lower order chipped in with useful runs, including a quick cameo from Nensi Patel, helping the team post a strong total of 306 for 7. Considering their early collapse, it was an extraordinary recovery and a testament to their resilience.

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South Africa’s chase falls short despite bright moments

Chasing a target of 307 was always going to require a solid start, and South Africa Women showed early promise. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 69, playing elegant strokes and anchoring the innings. She looked in control and gave her team hope of pulling off a challenging chase.

Supporting her was Annerie Dercksen, who added a valuable 47. The pair kept South Africa in the game during the middle overs, building a platform that hinted at a potential upset. However, just when things seemed to be settling, New Zealand struck back.

The turning point came with the introduction of Rosemary Mair, who delivered a brilliant spell of bowling. She picked up five crucial wickets, breaking partnerships and halting South Africa’s progress at key moments. Her ability to strike under pressure proved decisive in tilting the match in New Zealand’s favour.

As wickets began to tumble, the required run rate started climbing rapidly. The middle and lower order struggled to maintain momentum, with only brief resistance from players like Chloe Tryon, who scored a quick 29. Despite her efforts, the chase gradually slipped out of reach.

New Zealand’s bowlers maintained discipline throughout, with Amelia Kerr contributing with two wickets and others supporting effectively. Their consistent pressure ensured that South Africa could never fully recover after losing key wickets.

Eventually, South Africa were bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs, falling 66 runs short of the target. While there were moments of promise, the lack of sustained partnerships and inability to handle pressure proved costly.

New Zealand clinches a dominant 66 run victory over South Africa in the 3rd ODI ⚡#Cricket #NZvSA #ODI pic.twitter.com/8Uq4jFTQCG

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) April 4, 2026

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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