It may have been a warm up game for the T20 World Cup, but the White Ferns have had a win and a big win at that by eight wickets with 34 balls to spare in Dubai.
After 10 T20 losses in a row it was a relief for the New Zealand side going into the World Cup which starts later this week.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Otago stun Tasman Mako to end NPC streak
Three wickets apiece for Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr had South Africa in trouble as the White Ferns beat last year’s World Cup runners-up.
Eden Carson made the early inroads as South Africa were bowled out for just 92, although they did play out their full 20 overs.
Carson removed Tamzin Brits with just the second ball and ended up with figures of two for 21 from her four overs.
Laura Wolvaardt provided the only real resistance, scoring 33 before she became the first of Kasperek’s (3/7) three victims.
From the other end, Kerr (3/13) was just as accurate, as the pair combined for eight overs, six wickets and just 20 runs conceded.
The chase was a formality for New Zealand, with Suzie Bates run out for 17 before Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine added 36 for the second wicket.
While Kerr eventually departed for a run-a-ball 37, Devine finished unbeaten on 35 as she and Brooke Halliday saw New Zealand home.