New Zealand Crushes South Africa by Eight Wickets in T20 World Cup Warm Up | NZW vs SAW

New Zealand laid down a marker for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a dominant eight-wicket victory over South Africa in their warm-up match at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr starred with the ball, setting up an easy chase for the New Zealand batters.

Kasperek and Kerr Wreak Havoc

Put in to bat, South Africa struggled right from the start, as Eden Carson struck early, removing Tamzin Brits with just the second ball of the innings. Carson's opening spell set the tone, and she finished with figures of 2/21 from her four overs. 

Laura Wolvaardt provided the only notable resistance for South Africa, scoring 33 runs. However, once she was dismissed by Leigh Kasperek, the South African innings quickly fell apart. Kasperek bowled exceptionally well, picking up three wickets for just seven runs in her four overs. From the other end, Amelia Kerr matched Kasperek's effort, claiming 3/13 as the pair combined for eight overs, six wickets, and conceded just 20 runs.

South Africa managed to play out their full 20 overs, but they could only muster 92 runs, with wickets falling regularly and the New Zealand bowlers maintaining tight control throughout.

Comfortable Chase for New Zealand

Chasing a modest target of 93, New Zealand's batters made quick work of the task. Although Suzie Bates was run out for 17, Amelia Kerr and captain Sophie Devine added 36 runs for the second wicket, ensuring there were no major stumbles in the chase.

Kerr eventually departed for a well-made 37 off 37 balls, but by then, New Zealand was well on their way to victory. Devine remained unbeaten on 35, and alongside Brooke Halliday, she saw New Zealand home comfortably in 14.2 overs, finishing at 95/2.

South Africa Innings: 92 all out in 20 overs  
- Laura Wolvaardt: 33 (28 balls)  
- Tamzin Brits: 0 (1 ball)  
- Leigh Kasperek: 3/7  
- Amelia Kerr: 3/13  
- Eden Carson: 2/21  

New Zealand Innings: 95/2 in 14.2 overs  
- Amelia Kerr: 37 (37 balls)  
- Sophie Devine: 35 not out (30 balls)  
- Suzie Bates: 17 (15 balls)  
- Seshnie Naidu: 1/12 

New Zealand won by eight wickets.

New Zealand's convincing win serves as a warning to other teams in the tournament, with Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr showcasing their prowess with the ball. South Africa, last year's World Cup runners-up, will need to regroup quickly to address their batting woes ahead of the main event. For New Zealand, the balanced performance with both bat and ball suggests they are in strong form heading into the tournament, with Kerr playing a vital role in both departments.