By Levy Masiteng
The South African women’s cricket team ended their New Zealand tour with a 92-run defeat in the fifth and final T20 international in Christchurch on Wednesday, as the hosts wrapped up the series 4-1.
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl at Hagley Oval, the Proteas Women were put under pressure by New Zealand captain Melie Kerr, who struck an unbeaten 105 off 55 balls to steer the hosts to 194/6 in their 20 overs.
Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune claimed three wickets each for South Africa, but the tourists were unable to prevent New Zealand from posting their highest total of the series.
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The South African reply never gathered momentum. Chasing 195, the Proteas Women finished on 102/9, with no batter able to play the kind of anchoring innings needed to keep the contest alive.
Kerr completed an outstanding all-round display by taking 2/6 and was named player of the match, while also finishing as player of the series.
The defeat left South Africa ending the five-match contest with just one win, after the Proteas had briefly levelled the series earlier in the tour before New Zealand regained control.