Hosts South Africa kept their semi-final hopes alive as they bounced back in style to secure a 65-run over New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Monday.
All-rounder Chloe Tryon was the chief architect of South Africa’s win as she topscored with a 34-ball 40 to take their total to a competitive 132/6 after a top-order collapse at the Boland Park.
Tryon (3-0-12-2) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (4-0-10- 3) then formed a deadly combination in a sensational display of left-arm spin bowling that choked the chase of White Ferns who were bundled out for 67.
South Africa’s star spinner Mlaba took the new ball and set the tone by removing both the New Zealand openers for ducks. New Zealand never recovered thereafter.
The win also boosted South Africa’s net run rate (1.550) as they jumped to third place behind leaders Sri Lanka and Australia in the Group 1 table. The top-two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
Having endured two losses on the trot, New Zealand remained at the bottom of the table and are potentially out of the last-four race.
Brief scores: South Africa Women 132/6 in 20 overs (Chloe Tryon 40, Nadine de Klerk 28 not out; Eden Carson 2/23, Lea Tahuhu 2/27). New Zealand Women 67 in 18.1 overs (Sophie Devine 16; Nonkululeko Mlaba 3/10, Marizanne Kapp 2/13, Tryon 2/12). South Africa Women by 65 runs.
