Cricket: Sophie Devine leads White Ferns past South Africa

Sophie Devine's dominant display with the bat has helped the White Ferns claim a nine-wicket win over South Africa in their first T20 at Bay Oval.

The captain scored an unbeaten 54 in 32 balls - including three fours and four sixes -  as the hosts comfortably chased down their target of 117 in just the 13th over.

Wicketkeeper Rachel Priest also fired with the bat, scoring 37 off 28 balls.

Wicketkeeper Rachel Priest appealing.
Wicketkeeper Rachel Priest appealing. Photo credit: Image: Photosport

Earlier, two wickets from Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr helped the Ferns restrict the Proteas to 116/7 after their 20 overs.

South African opener Laura Wolvaardt top-scored with 33 runs for the visitors in the first of five T20s.

The win was a timely morale boost for the Kiwis, who were thrashed 3-0 in their one-day series against South Africa earlier this week.

The two teams meet again for game two at Seddon Park on Thursday.