Mount Maunganui, 15 March (H.S.): New Zealand Women dominated South Africa Women by 80 runs in the 1st T20I of their series at Bay Oval, posting 190/7 in 20 overs before bundling the Proteas out for 110/7 to seize a 1-0 lead.Captain Amelia Kerr smashed 78 off 44 balls—featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes—while opener Georgia Plimmer bludgeoned 63 off 44 (5x4, 3x6); Sophie Devine (12), Brooke Halliday (13), and Maddie Green (10) chipped in.

Masabata Klas and Nadine de Klerk claimed 2 wickets apiece for South Africa, with Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba taking one each.Chasing 191, South Africa's Tazmin Brits fought with 29 off 35 (3x4), while Kayla Reyneke remained unbeaten on 24 off 18 (4x4), but the rest faltered.

Sophie Devine starred with the ball, snaring 4 wickets, as Jess Kerr grabbed 2. Kerr earned Player of the Match for her explosive half-century. The 2nd T20I unfolds in Hamilton on March 17.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar