Reyneke’s unbeaten 42 seals dramatic chase after Dercksen and Luus fifties; Khaka’s six-for and Green’s 85 headline action

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Debutant Kayla Reyneke delivered a sensational finish, smashing a last-ball six to guide South Africa to a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the first ODI at Hagley Oval. Chasing 269, South Africa held their nerve in a tense run chase, with Reyneke’s unbeaten 42 off 32 balls proving decisive as the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Arriving at the crease with 79 runs still required off 75 balls, the 20-year-old showed remarkable composure under pressure. Despite regular wickets falling at the other end, Reyneke kept the scoreboard moving with smart running and timely boundaries. The match reached its peak in the final over, where South Africa needed 14 runs. Facing Suzie Bates, Reyneke struck 13 of those runs, including two towering sixes—the only maximums of the match—sealing victory in dramatic fashion.

Earlier in the chase, solid contributions from Annerie Dercksen and Sune Luus laid the foundation. Dercksen scored a composed 72 off 93 balls, while Luus added 53 from 72 deliveries. Their 123-run partnership steadied South Africa after an early setback and kept the chase on track. Nadine de Klerk also chipped in with a quickfire 39, maintaining momentum in the middle overs.

New Zealand, batting first, posted a competitive total of 268 all out, thanks largely to Maddy Green’s impressive 85 off 83 balls. The hosts started strongly, reaching 100 within 23 overs, but South Africa’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle phase. Ayabonga Khaka was the standout performer with the ball, claiming an outstanding 6 for 56, including three wickets in the final over to restrict New Zealand’s total.

In response, South Africa had a shaky start, losing Laura Wolvaardt early to fall to 30 for 2. However, the middle-order partnerships rebuilt the innings before Reyneke’s heroics stole the spotlight. Her ability to find boundaries, particularly in the arc between long-off and deep midwicket, kept the required rate in check.

New Zealand had their chances, including a missed opportunity by wicketkeeper Isabelle Gaze in the penultimate over, which could have turned the match. Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, and Rosemary Mair picked up two wickets each, but the bowling unit could not contain the debutant in the final moments.

Reyneke’s fearless debut knock not only sealed a memorable win but also marked one of the most dramatic finishes in recent women’s ODI cricket, giving South Africa an early advantage in the series.