The New Zealand Women secured a six-wicket win over the Proteas Women in the fourth T20I in Wellington on Sunday to clinch the series with a match to spare.
Jess Kerr returned career-best figures of 3-16 to help restrict South Africa to 159-6, despite a maiden T20I half-century from Annerie Dercksen (55* off 32 balls). Sophie Devine then led the chase with a commanding 64 off 34 balls.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Proteas made a steady start through Chloé Tryon (14) and Suné Luus (30), reaching 21-0 in the third over before Kerr struck.
Luus and Laura Wolvaardt (10) took South Africa to 41-1 at the end of the powerplay, but Amelia Kerr (1-32) and Jess Kerr removed both batters in quick succession.
With the score on 58-3, Tazmin Brits (eight) and Dercksen rebuilt, taking the visitors to 89-3 before Brits became Kerr’s third wicket.
Dercksen then anchored the innings, sharing a 44-run stand with Nadine de Klerk (20) and adding a further 26 with Kayla Reyneke (13) as South Africa pushed past 150.
In reply, the Proteas Women struck early through Dercksen (1-20), who dismissed Izzy Gaze (6). However, Georgia Plimmer (29) and Amelia Kerr (31) guided New Zealand to 47-1 in the powerplay.
The pair added 48 for the second wicket before Tryon (2-13) removed Plimmer, but the hosts remained in control.
Amelia Kerr and Devine then shared a 46-run stand to move New Zealand to 103-3 before Tryon struck again.
After a few missed chances in the field, Devine capitalised, bringing up her second successive half-century while combining with Brooke Halliday (16*) in a match-winning stand.
Devine was eventually dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba (1-41), but Halliday and Maddy Green (16) completed the chase in 18.3 overs.
The fifth and final T20I will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
