The New Zealand Women’s National Cricket Team sealed an impressive ODI series victory after defeating the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team by 66 runs in the decisive third match. The contest took place at the iconic Basin Reserve in Wellington, where a stunning century from Maddy Green proved to be the defining moment of the match.
Thanks to Green’s match-winning innings and a strong bowling performance, New Zealand claimed the three-match ODI series 2–1, ending the series on a high note in front of a lively home crowd.
Maddy Green Delivers a Match-Winning Masterclass
Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand faced early trouble. The top order struggled against the South African attack, losing two wickets in the opening overs and leaving the team under pressure.
At that critical moment, Maddy Green stepped up with a composed and determined performance. Showing patience and excellent shot selection, she rebuilt the innings and gradually turned the game in New Zealand’s favor.
Green produced a sensational unbeaten 141 runs from 128 balls, striking 15 boundaries during her innings. The knock not only guided her team to a commanding total but also marked the best ODI score of her career.
Her partnership with Brooke Halliday became the backbone of the New Zealand innings. The duo added over 200 runs for the fourth wicket, frustrating the South African bowlers and shifting momentum firmly towards the hosts. Halliday narrowly missed her own century, scoring a superb 98 runs before getting out.
By the end of their 50 overs, New Zealand had posted a formidable 306 for 7, setting South Africa a challenging target of 307.
South Africa Fall Short in the Chase
Chasing 307 was always going to be a tough task, but South Africa began their innings with positive intent. Captain Laura Wolvaardt played a steady knock, scoring 69 runs, while Annerie Dercksen contributed a useful 47.
Despite these efforts, South Africa struggled to maintain partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals. The mounting pressure eventually took its toll, and the visitors were bowled out for 240 runs in 46.1 overs, leaving them 66 runs short of the target.
Rosemary Mair Leads the Bowling Charge
New Zealand’s bowlers ensured that the big total was well defended. Fast bowler Rosemary Mair delivered an outstanding spell, claiming 5 wickets for 50 runs and dismantling the South African batting lineup.
Her timely breakthroughs played a crucial role in preventing the visitors from building momentum during the chase. Meanwhile, star all-rounder Amelia Kerr supported the effort with two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped in with important contributions.
New Zealand Clinch the Series 2–1
With this convincing victory, New Zealand wrapped up the three-match ODI series 2–1. The final match highlighted the team’s balance between powerful batting and disciplined bowling.
However, the standout performance undoubtedly belonged to Maddy Green, whose magnificent century transformed a shaky start into a dominant position for her side. Her innings not only secured the match but also played a pivotal role in New Zealand lifting the series trophy.
The victory reinforced New Zealand’s strength in women’s international cricket and showcased Maddy Green’s growing importance as one of the team’s most dependable middle-order batters.
