20|03|04

South Africa lost the third T20 match against New Zealand by 6 wickets thanks to Sophie Devine and the Proteas' sub-par fielding performance. Devine showed South Africa again why she is considered one of the best players in the world, this time with the bat.

South Africa batted first and lost both openers within 13 balls. Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen (27) rebuilt the South African innings, but that partnership was cut short by a beautiful away-swinging delivery by Devine, which rattled Dercksen's off stump.

With the Proteas on 60 for 3, South Africa introduced their big hitters, starting with Chloe Tryon (15), but unfortunately, she did not stay for long, and Nadine de Klerk's (6) horrific form continued.

The Proteas captain struggled to get going as she was run out for 37 from 39 balls. It would take another Kayla Reyneke special to ensure the Proteas finished with a respectable total of 149 for 7.

In response, the Proteas got an early wicket of Georgia Plimmer in the second over courtesy of Ayanda Hlubi. Izzy Gaze fell to a short ball from Dercksen that she tried to pull, but she was caught at mid-wicket by Brits. The big wicket of Amelia Kerr brought this even, with New Zealand on 65 for 3 and South Africa having been 60 for 3.

This was the time New Zealand started to shift the momentum towards them, as Devine took the responsibility to attack the South African bowlers. Devine (55*) and Maddy Green (34*) combined for a well-played unbeaten 85-run partnership that took the White Ferns to the finishing line.

South Africa will know that they had the game in their hands, but it was also one of those unlucky days for the Proteas. Potential catches died before they reached the fielders, and some dropped catches, overthrows, and misfields did not help matters.

The fourth T20 match will be played on Sunday, and South Africa needs to win to level the series, or they will lose the series if the weather is favourable.