The trophy has been handed to Amelia Kerr, and the New Zealand skipper wastes no time in bringing it over to her teammates, who are already waiting with broad smiles behind the "WINNERS" board. In a heartwarming gesture that captured the spirit of the day, Kerr handed the trophy to a young child standing at the front of the podium, allowing them to lift it high as the entire squad and support staff erupted in a collective cheer.
It is a picture-perfect end to the presentation, blending the grandeur of a trophy lift with a touch of genuine, grounded joy. This series victory is special in many ways, primarily for how the White Ferns consistently punched above their weight to overcome the odds. By outplaying a formidable opponent through tactical discipline and sheer grit, they have proven that they belong at the very top of the international game.
For Kerr and her side, this moment isn't just about the silverware - it is a powerful statement of their growth, resilience, and the bright future of New Zealand Women's cricket.
Until then, I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentators, Deepak Prakash, Manan Mehta, and scorer Sachin Yadav. That’s it from our side. Thanks for joining. But cricket doesn’t sleep. Plenty is happening around the world. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!
Amelia Kerr (New Zealand Women Captain): (On the team’s growth and record chase) “I think the growth has been everywhere, but the standout has been our batting. Not just in the ODIs, but in the T20s as well. The intent we’ve shown and the calmness in big run chases have been impressive. When we were 3 for 3, for Maddy and Brooke to build such a big partnership and take us past 300 again was incredible.
(On how the team has evolved compared to the past) If you look back a few years, the way we handled that situation is very different. It shows how much we’ve grown as a team.
(On Rosemary Mair’s role as a key bowler) She’s a strike bowler for us. We saw how good she was at the T20 World Cup, and she can bowl in all phases of the game. That makes her a go-to option for me as a captain.
(On beating a strong side like South Africa) South Africa are a quality team and have been in multiple World Cup finals. To win both the T20 and ODI series against them is very special for us.
(On the team’s direction going forward) We want to build a winning environment and a strong belief within the group. Wins like these really help in building that momentum.”
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women Captain): "(Thoughts on the loss) Yeah a bit frustrating not to win. We played a lot of good cricket right through the series. Frustrating to lose it 2-1. We just lost our way today.
(Thoughts after the narrow defeat in the last game) After scoring 340 we thought we could win that comfortably but yeah Amelia Kerr took it away from us. Though it is a positive that we are scoring 300 regularly.
(Positives and learnings to take into the India series) I think a lot of good things with the ball. We are brilliant in the powerplay up front. Also, we need to look at building some partnerships in the middle that was the difference today. Also, we need to be better with the ball at the back end.
(Young members stepping up) Yeah, great opportunities for the young girls. Kayla Reyneke as you mentioned got some good chances and she did really well for us. Tumi and Hlubi today also played a fine role for us with the ball so happy that they chipped in. Overall, it is good for the growth of the team."
Maddy Green (Player of the Series): (On how the series impacts her confidence and belief) “I’d like to think I’ve been getting better over the last few years, maybe maturing like a fine wine. I really enjoy the 50-over format, and with Sophie Devine not around, it’s given me an opportunity up the order. I just want to contribute and help the team win. Beating South Africa 2-1 is amazing.
(On the team’s overall performance in the series) It’s been a great series with contributions from everyone. Rosemary Mair was brilliant today, Brooke Halliday deserved her hundred, and overall, the team has done a fantastic job.
(On batting at number four and the added responsibility) Batting at four gives you more time, which every batter enjoys. I didn’t start well today, but having time at the crease helped me settle in. I’ve enjoyed learning more about my 50-over game and improving.
(On partnerships and finishing innings strongly) We’ve built great partnerships, and the whole batting unit has done an amazing job finishing innings in the last couple of games.
(On Rosemary Mair’s five-wicket performance) She’s been fantastic this series. She’s a really good bowler and has been consistent for a long time, even if she hasn’t always got the wickets she deserved. It’s great to see her perform like this and stay fit throughout the summer.”
PLAYER OF THE SERIES: MADDY GREEN
Maddy Green (Player of the Match): "(Plan when the side was 3/3) Yeah just wanted to build a partnership with Brooke Halliday. I wanted to get to a good total. I enjoyed batting with her and she is exceptional.
(What was the conversation like with Halliday?) We just spoke that if we get a platform at 30 overs with 160 on the board, we can always get 90 in the back ten. Which we did so glad for that.
(Struggling with cramps) I was thinking at the end that it was better for someone else to come at the backend. But then I felt I can get a few boundaries away.
(Where does innings rank?) This probably is one of my best innings for the White Ferns. This ICC world championship means a lot for us. We wanted to get some points there. It was great to do it against a good team like South Africa."
Player of the Match: Maddy Green
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
Highest Individual Scores for New Zealand vs South Africa in WODIs:
179* – Amelia Kerr, Wellington, 2026
145 – Sophie Devine, Cuttack, 2013
141* – Maddy Green, Wellington, 2026, Today*
108* – Emily Drumm, Lincoln, 2000
100* – Amelia Kerr, Durban, 2023
Highest Individual Scores for New Zealand at Home in WODIS:
179* – Amelia Kerr vs South Africa, Wellington, 2026
157* – Brooke Halliday vs Zimbabwe, Dunedin, 2026
157 – Rachel Priest vs Sri Lanka, Lincoln, 2015
141* – Maddy Green vs South Africa, Wellington, 2026, Today*
137* – Amy Satterthwaite vs Pakistan, Lincoln, 2016