The Proteas Women suffered an eight-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their first T20 World Cup warm-up match in Dubai on Sunday.

Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s 33 from 37 balls, South Africa were bowled out for 92, thanks mainly to New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek (3-7) and Melia Kerr (3-13).

Kerr (37) and Sophie Devine (35*) then helped New Zealand to chase down the target with 34 balls remaining.

After winning the toss, the White Ferns opted to bowl first at the Sevens Stadium. Seamer Eden Carson (2-21) made an immediate impact by dismissing the Proteas openers Tazmin Brits (nought) and Anneke Bosch (five) in the first over.

South Africa lost their third wicket 12 deliveries later when Suzie Bates took a one-handed catch to remove Chloé Tryon (two) off the bowling of Lea Tahuhu (1-28).

Wolvaardt and Suné Luus (seven) steadied the innings briefly, pushing the score to 36-3, but Kerr (3-13) struck twice in consecutive overs to dismiss Luus and Nadine de Klerk (11), leaving South Africa on 52-5.

In a brief fightback, Annerie Dercksen (19) and Wolvaardt added 34 runs for the sixth wicket, moving the score to 82-5. However, quick wickets from Kasperek removed Wolvaardt and Sinalo Jafta (nought).

South Africa’s innings ended with Dercksen, Seshnie Naidu (nought) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (three) falling in quick succession to Kasperek, Kerr and a run-out off the last ball of the innings.

In reply, New Zealand made a strong start with Bates and Kerr reaching 37-0. A moment of brilliance in the field saw Nadine de Klerk run out Bates for 17, leaving the White Ferns at 38-1 after the powerplay.

Kerr found support from captain Devine and their 36-run partnership for the second wicket eventually ended when Naidu (1-12) had Kerr caught in the deep by Tumi Sekhukhune.

However, the wicket came too late for South Africa, as Devine guided her team to victory.

The Proteas will complete their World Cup preparations with a warm-up match against India at the ICC Academy on Tuesday.

Photo: @T20WorldCup/X