South Africa edged out hosts New Zealand by two wickets in a thrilling league stage game to continue their unbeaten run in the Women’s World Cup.

Seamers Ayabonga Khaka (3/31), Shabnim Ismail (3/27) and Marizanne Kapp (2/44) led the way with the ball as South Africa restricted New Zealand to 228 in spite of rival skipper Sophie Devine’s 93 at Seddon Park on Thursday.

Laura Wolvaardt (67) and skipper Sune Luus (51) then hit half-centuries before Kapp (34 not out) ensured South Africa crossed the line with three balls to spare for their fourth win of the tournament.

South Africa thus consolidated their second spot on the points table while New Zealand, who have just two wins from five outings, remain fourth and will need to win their remaining two fixtures to stay in the mix for a semi-final spot.

In pursuit of 229, openers Lizelle Lee (17) and Wolvaardt started positively for South Africa. But a bit of hesitation in running between the wickets resulted in Lizelle’s dismissal. Wolvaardt, however, remained unperturbed and kept finding the boundaries.

She, along with Luus, kept the chase on track.

Brief scores: New Zealand Women 228 in 47.5 overs (S. Devine 93; S. Ismail 3/27, A. Khaka 3/31). South Africa Women 229/8 in 49.3 overs (L. Wolvaardt 67, S. Luus 51; A. Kerr 3/50). South Africa Women won by 2 wickets.