A brilliant 124-run partnership from Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk took the Proteas Women to a 4-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first ODI at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Sunday, 24 September.
De Klerk with an unbeaten 58 (77) and Tryon with 71 (58) were instrumental in a great victory for SA.
It was a see saw battle from start to finish as both teams had chances to win the match, but ultimately it was the Proteas who held their composure in the run chase, reaching the 236-run target with 17 balls to spare.
It was not always as comfortable for the Proteas who at times were under pressure from tactically good bowling and field placements. At 111/5 the Proteas needed a fightback and that’s where Tryon and De Klerk stepped in.
Earlier on, New Zealand managed 235/8 in their 50 overs after the middle and lower order showed grit and perseverance to recover from 55/5.
Brooke Halliday (76 from 92) and Hannah Rowe (52 from 72) stabilised the innings with a 117-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
It was two crucial knocks for the White Ferns who had lost their top order cheaply after a superb start by SA.
A run-out of Suzie Bates (1) via Tazmin Brits, started the procession of wickets as Masabata Klaas 3/60), Ayabonga Khaka (1/50) and Marizanne Kapp (1/37) all chipped in.
Nadine de Klerk (2/34) was also one of the standout bowlers for the Proteas.
The Proteas Women got into a slump with the bat in their chase of 236 for victory after losing three batters with the score on 42/3 after 12 overs. Jess Kerr took two wickets for the visitors and Hannah Rowe one to give New Zealand the advantage.
SA captain, Laura Wolvaardt was still standing strong on 24 (36) when the experienced Marizanne Kapp joined her at the crease.
The pair put on a stand of 48 before Kapp was sent back to the dressing room for 27 (38) with Eden Carson taking her wicket.
Wolvaardt eventually managed to hit a patient 50 (75) the impressive Hannah Rowe (2/26) bowled her.
De Klerk and Tryon then settled down to repair the damage with a stunning 124-run partnership to give the home team the ascendency.
De Klerk and Tryon hit some stunning shots and batted with composure to take South Africa to a fitting victory on Heritage Day.
Tryon lost her wicket with one run left to get, but this handed De Klerk the opportunity to hit the winning runs.
De Klerk mentioned in the post-match press conference that this win was a massive confidence boost and that it was important to get over the line.
“It’s really important to get the win on the board. We played well for most part of the day, even though it didn’t go our way in dribs and drabs. Overall, it was a great team performance that we can be proud of,” stated De Klerk.
She also praised Tryon for her contribution in their 124-run partnership.
“When we lost our skipper, it was a massive moment in the game. Luckily, we had a world class player like Chloe Tryon back in the team. She played an unbelievable game changing knock today,” added De Klerk.
