New Zealand continued their invincible run by notching up a comfortable seven-wicket win over South Africa to seal their semi-final spot at the ICC Women's World Twenty20, in Bengaluru, on Saturday.
Sophie Devine starred with both bat and ball as she took three for 16 and then blasted 27 off 17 balls to guide New Zealand to their fourth win in as many matches.
Electing to bowl after winning the toss, New Zealand produced a superlative bowling performance to dismiss South Africa for 99 in 19.3 overs.
The Kiwis then returned to overhaul the target with 33 balls to spare and top the Group A points table with 8 points.
The victory also shut the semifinal doors for South Africa, who suffered their second loss in three matches. They had lost to Australia and beat Ireland. The Proteas will next take on Sri Lanka in an inconsequential match.
Chasing 100 to win, skipper Suzie Bates (29) and Rachel Priest (29) shared a 57-run opening partnership to lay the foundation for the chase.
After their dismissal, Devine hit three fours and a six in his 17-ball innings to take New Zealand home.
It was Bates who was first dismissed when she was caught by Mignon du Preez off Masabata Klass in the 9th over. The other opener Priest also was sent packing in the 11th over by Dane van Niekerk, who trapped her in front of wicket.
Sara McGlashan (5) was next trapped lbw by Kapp in the 12th over but Devine stood tall and saw the team through along with Katey Martin (8).
Earlier, pace-spin duo of Sophie Devine (3/16) and Leigh Kasperek (3/19) returned with three wicket hauls, while spinner Erin Bermingham (2/14) scalped two. Morna Nielsen (1/16) and Suzie Bates (1/12) also contributed with one wicket each.
For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp (22) was the top scorer as only five batsmen could reach doubles figure at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Brief Score: South Africa: 99 all out in 19.3 overs (M Kapp 22; Sophie Devine 3/16); New Zealand: 100 for 3 in 14.3 overs (S Bates 29; M Klass 1/11).
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