For the second time in her young international career, the 19-year-old delivered under pressure by smashing a six off the final ball of the innings to seal victory. 

In an incredible twist, it was almost a carbon copy of her T20 International debut in Potchefstroom, where she also struck a match-winning maximum off the last ball against Pakistan.

Batting first, the White Ferns were bowled out for 268 off the very last ball of their 50 overs. Maddy Green led the charge with a well-compiled 85 off 83 balls, while wicketkeeper Isabelle Gaze added a handy 37.

Maddy Green. Photo: Cricinfo

Ayabonga Khaka was the standout performer with the ball for South Africa, producing a sensational, career-best 6/56 in her ten overs. Chloe Tryon provided solid support with 2/46 from her nine overs.

In reply, Annerie Dercksen once again led from the front for the Proteas with a composed 72 off 93 balls, while Suné Luus continued her fine form in ODI cricket with a classy 53. All-rounder Nadine de Klerk chipped in with a valuable 39, setting the stage for Reyneke’s late heroics.

The youngster lit up Hagley Oval with an unbeaten 42 off just 32 balls, showing remarkable composure and fearless intent. With 12 runs needed from the final four deliveries, Reyneke launched the first ball for six. 

Two dot balls followed, leaving South Africa needing another six off the final delivery – and once again, she delivered, sending the ball soaring over the boundary to secure a memorable win.

Amelia Kerr was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 2/31 from her ten overs. After the match, Reyneke admitted it was all about staying calm in the moment and trusting her ability.

“Thank you very much. I’m just trying to take it all in – making my ODI debut was a really special moment,” she said.

“It was obviously quite stressful, but I think if you stay as calm as possible in the moment, you realise that nothing is impossible.”

The youngster added that it was important for the team to move on from their recent T20 International disappointment and focus on the ODI series, which forms a key part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Ayabonga Khaka celebrates one of her six wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

“We’ve put the T20 series behind us, and our focus is fully on the ODI series ahead, with two important games still to play and valuable points up for grabs,” Reybeke added.

“Credit to Ayabonga for some outstanding bowling, and to Dercksen and Suné for a crucial partnership with the bat.

“We bowled well for most of the first innings but lost it a bit in the last ten overs and left a few runs out there – thankfully we were able to make up for it with the bat.”

The second ODI will be played on Wednesday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with play scheduled to get underway at 00:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek