South Africa have made it four in a row after clinching another nail biter against World Cup hosts New Zealand.

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This was always going to be a challenge, but the grit and determination from the Proteas has ensured that they’re solidifying their chances at qualification.

With 229 to get, SA began with controlled intent from openers Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt. But NZ didn’t have to wait too long for the first wicket when Lee was caught well short of her ground.

Tazmin Brits joined Wolvaardt, and both set out to build a partnership to steer the chase after the early wicket. Wolvaardt dazzled with her sumptuous off-side play, and Brits eventually overcame the early jitters and scored consecutive boundaries off legspinner Amelia Kerr.

Unfortunately, the burgeoning stand came to a halt when Brits was stumped off Kerr. But the arrival of the captain brought about another match-defining partnership that would adeptly anchor the chase.

Luus frequently took singles and doubles to keep the score moving, while Wolvaardt took a bit of a back seat to bat through the relatively trickier phase of play with spin from both ends. She brought up her third successive half-century of the tournament. But her solid knock came to an end when Amelia Kerr returned for another spell and trapped her LBW.

It was a vital opening for NZ, as the young wrist spinner continued to wreak havoc thereafter. Mignon du Preez edged to wicketkeeper Katey Martin, and when seamer Hannah Rowe picked up the priceless wicket of Luus, SA were suddenly in a state of bother.

The persistence with spin was key for NZ, as the big-hitting Chloe Tryon holed out to long-on off Frances Mackay. Marizanne Kapp was the only source of hope as Trisha Chetty also sacrificed her wicket in an attempt to go for glory.

Shabnim Ismail was bowled by Sophie Devine, and it seemed like the White Ferns crept ahead in the penultimate over. But a boundary over mid-off from Kapp brought the equation back to a run a ball. Another boundary in the final over eased any lingering tension, and it was another win under riveting circumstances.

SA have made it on top on each occasion and duly earned the undefeated status alongside Australia. Despite an unbelievable all-round show from Amelia Kerr and a fantastic supportive act from the rest of the NZ bowlers, another stoic display with the bat took the Proteas over the line. It’s definitely been a tournament to savour so far.

NZ 228 in 47.5 overs
SA 229/8 in 49.3 overs (Wolvaardt 67, Luus 51, Kapp 34 – A Kerr 10-1-50-3)