Kerr special wraps up 4-1 series win for New Zealand

Kerr special wraps up 4-1 series win for New Zealand

Amelia Kerr blasted her second T20I century (55-ball 105) and picked a brace to help New Zealand register a thumping 92-run victory over South Africa in the fifth T20I, securing a 4-1 series win at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Put in to bat, New Zealand lost Isabella Gaze early, but Kerr and Georgia Plimmer provided a strong start with a 45-run stand. Tumi Sekhukhune struck twice in two deliveries in the ninth over to remove Plimmer and Sophie Devine, yet Kerr accelerated her innings.

The New Zealand skipper hit boundaries off Sune Luus and Sekhukhune in successive overs and maintained momentum alongside Brooke Halliday. Their 73-run partnership set the stage before Kerr dominated the death overs, guiding New Zealand to 194 for 6, despite Ayabonga Khaka claiming two late wickets.

In reply, South Africa's chase faltered from the start. Lea Tahuhu and Devine dismantled the top order, reducing the visitors to 40 for 4 within the powerplay. Annerie Dercksen attempted a recovery but fell to Kerr for 23, and the rest of the batting lineup collapsed without resistance, finishing at 102 for 9.

For her all-round performance, Kerr was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 194/6 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 105, Georgia Plimmer 27; Ayabonga Khaka 3-32, Tumi Sekhukhune 3-32) beat South Africa 102/9 in 20 overs (Annerie Dercksen 23; Lea Tahuhu 3-15, Amelia Kerr 2-6) by 92 runs.