Proteas women come up short in decisive ODI against New Zealand in Wellington

Chasing a daunting target of 307, SA were bowled out for 240 in the 47th over after a promising start unravelled dramatically. The Proteas lost their last eight wickets for just 95 runs, underlining a familiar issue as partnerships dried up through the middle order.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the effort with a fluent 69 off 68 balls, while Annerie Dercksen added 47, but the lack of sustained contributions proved costly.

New Zealand's Rosemary Mair starred with the ball, claiming 5 for 50 - her maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket - while four other bowlers chipped in to maintain pressure throughout the innings.

Earlier, the White Ferns had staged a remarkable recovery after being reduced to 3/3 inside four overs. Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday combined for a record-breaking 211-run stand for the fourth wicket, the highest for New Zealand in women's ODIs, transforming the match.

Green anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on a career-best 141 from 128 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries.

Halliday provided vital support with 98 before falling in the 40th over, caught behind by Sinalo Jafta off Nadine de Klerk, just two runs short of a deserved century.

Despite efforts from Ayanda Hlubi (2/47) and Tumi Sekhukhune (2/57), South Africa's bowlers struggled to contain the hosts after the early breakthrough.

Ultimately, New Zealand's resilience with the bat and South Africa's inability to build meaningful partnerships in the chase proved decisive in the series finale.