Kayla Reyneke announced herself on the international stage in stunning fashion, smashing a last-ball six on ODI debut to guide South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket win over New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
In the process, the 20-year-old etched her name in the record books, becoming the first woman in international cricket to win Player of the Match awards on debut in multiple formats.
Reyneke had already achieved the feat on her T20I debut against Pakistan earlier this year in Potchefstroom, remarkably, in similar fashion, by hitting a six off the final ball to seal victory.
Her heroics in Christchurch now place her among an elite group of cricketers, becoming only the fifth overall to earn Player of the Match honours on debut in multiple formats, alongside Elias Sunny, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Foakes, and Lungi Ngidi.
Chasing 269, South Africa found themselves under pressure late in the innings, needing 14 runs off the final over. With Suzie Bates entrusted with the ball, Reyneke held her nerve. She cleared the ropes on the third delivery to bring the equation down to six off three balls before launching the final ball over long-on to complete a memorable chase.
She remained unbeaten on 42 off 32 balls, striking three fours and two sixes in a match-winning knock.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 268, riding on Maddy Green’s 85, with useful contributions from Amelia Kerr (36) and Izzy Gaze (37). For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka starred with career-best figures of 6/56.
In reply, the Proteas were reduced to 30/2 before Annerie Dercksen (72) and Suné Luus (53) steadied the innings with a crucial 123-run stand. Nadine de Klerk added 39, but it was Reyneke’s late fireworks that ultimately sealed the win.
South Africa now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI set to be played at Basin Reserve in Wellington on April 1.