South Africa edged out hosts New Zealand by two wickets in a thrilling league stage match to continue their unbeaten run in the ICC Women's World Cup here on Thursday.
Seamers Ayabonga Khaka (3/31), Shabnim Ismail (3/27) and Marizanne Kapp (2/44) led the way with the ball as the Proteas bowled out New Zealand for 228 despite skipper Sophie Devine's 93 at Seddon Park.
Laura Wolvaardt (67) and skipper Sune Luus (51) then hit timely half centuries before Kapp (34 not out) ensured South Africa crossed the line for their fourth win of the tournament.
South Africa thus consolidated their second spot on the points table while New Zealand, who have just two wins from five outings, continued to remain fourth and will need to win their remaining two fixtures to stay in the mix for a semifinal spot.
Chasing 229, openers Lizelle Lee (17) and Wolvaardt started positively for South Africa. But a bit of hesitation in running between the wickets cost the former her wicket.
Wolvaardt, however, remained unperturbed and kept finding the boundaries. She was lucky on a couple of occasions with a dropped catch and almost dragging on to her own stumps but along with Luus, kept the chase on track.
Amelia Kerr (3/50) trapped Wolvaardt leg before to put an end to the 88-run partnership between the opener and Luus in the 36th over before dismissing Mignon du Preez (1) in her next over.