Mignon du Preez dug in to see the Proteas Women through to their second ODI win against the New Zealanders.
She was the driving force in a partnership of 45 with Dinesha Devnarain (10) and the anchor in a stand of 45 with Dane van Niekerk, who ended unbeaten on 36 in a five-wicket win with eight balls remaining.
In a low-scoring match, reduced to 39 overs a side by rain, New Zealand were able to offer just 131 as a winning target after being put in to bat at Boland Park, Paarl.
There was a moment of doubt when the Proteas lost two quick wickets to be 38-2 in the 10th over, but the top order settled down and played percentage cricket to keep ahead of the asking rate.
Du Preez contributed 44 off 76 balls (6×4) until she was dismissed with just four runs required.
The Proteas bowlers set it up when they demolished the New Zealanders lineup, knocking them over within 34 overs.
No one, bar Katey Martin, put up any resistance after the openers went with six runs on the board. Amy Satterthwaite (13) attempted to stabilise the innings with a stand of 28, but once that was broken, wickets fell regularly, and no partnerships could be established.
Martin was unbeaten with 65, off 80 balls, with just five fours.
Masabata Klaas led the way with 3-32 off eight overs, while Moseline Daniels and Odine Kirsten ended with a brace apiece.
The New Zealanders lead 4-2 in the seven match series.
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
