HAMILTON: South Africa notched a two-wicket win over New Zealand on Thursday to virtually guarantee themselves a spot in the Womens Cricket World Cup semi-finals and leave the hosts in danger of elimination.<\/p>\n
South Africa emerged victorious from a tight, low-scoring contest and are the only team to match tournament favourite Australias record of four wins from four matches.<\/p>\n
It was a third loss in five games for New Zealand, who are in a precarious position after blowing their chance to set a big total and put the match beyond South Africa.<\/p>\n
New Zealand now face a must-win clash against holders England in Auckland on Sunday.<\/p>\n
South Africa bowled the home side out for 228 in 47.5 overs in Hamilton, then chased down the total with three balls to spare.<\/p>\n
South Africas quick bowlers nullified New Zealands potent batting line-up before Laura Wolvaardt scored 67, her third successive half century at the tournament, backed by South African skipper Sune Luus 51.<\/p>\n
Captain Sophie Devine was again the standout for New Zealand, notching an imperious 93 that should have been the impetus for the home team to set an imposing target.<\/p>\n
But Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green were the only other batters to offer any resistance to South Africas attack with 42 and 30 respectively.<\/p>\n
Devine fell just short of her seventh ODI century when Ayabonga Khaka dismissed her with a perfectly placed yorker.<\/p>\n
Despite her departure New Zealand were in a strong position with wickets in hand at 198-5 heading into the final 10 overs.<\/p>\n
They were unable to capitalise and Devines wicket was among six to fall for just 30 runs as South Africas bowlers ran rampant.<\/p>\n
Khaka finished with figures of 3-31, Shabnim Ismail snared 3-27 and Marizanne Kapp took two wickets in successive balls on her way to 2-44.<\/p>\n
Chasing 229, South Africa were 105-2 at the halfway mark with Wolvaardt anchoring the innings and Luus providing support.<\/p>\n
They also suffered a late collapse but Kapp steered them home with an unbeaten 34.<\/p>\n
South Africa next play Australia in Wellington on Tuesday in a clash between the top two sides in the table.<\/p>\n
Summarised scores:<\/p>\n
South Africa beat New Zealand by two wickets.<\/p>\n
New Zealand: 228 all out in 47.5 overs (S. Devine 93, A. Kerr 42, M. Green 30; S. Ismail 3-27, A. Khaka 3-31); South Africa: 229-8 in 49.3 overs (L. Wolvaardt 67, S. Luus 51, M. Kapp 36; A. Kerr 3-50).<\/p>\n
Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2022<\/p>\n
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New Zealand on the ropes as SA eye World Cup semis - DAWN.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HAMILTON: South Africa notched a two-wicket win over New Zealand on Thursday to virtually guarantee themselves a spot in the Womens Cricket World Cup semi-finals and leave the hosts in danger of elimination. South Africa emerged victorious from a tight, low-scoring contest and are the only team to match tournament favourite Australias record of four wins from four matches Continue reading