The Proteas suffered another heartbreaking World Cup defeat as they were restricted to 126-9 against New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup final in Dubai.
Chasing a final record-high 159, South Africa got off to a flyer but wickets kept falling and saw New Zealand claim a 32-run victory and win their maiden title.
South Africa's chase started in impressive fashion, as opener Laura Wolvaardt plundered boundaries to get her team off to a flier.
The early momentum was halted when Fran Jonas ended opener Tazmin Brits for 17 as she advanced down the track and was caught at long-on.
Amelia Kerr struck twice in the 10th over as she dismissed Wolvaardt, who top-scored with 33 off 27 balls (hitting five fours), and then Anneke Bosch for nine.
New Zealand were far superior in the field, grabbing opportunities as the Proteas wilted with the bat.
Wickets continued to fall as the Proteas middle-order was exposed, with only Chloe Tryon (14) and Annerie Dercksen (10) reaching double figures.
Kerr and Rosemary Mair were the pick of the White Ferns bowling attack as they took three wickets each.
RESULTS ??????
New Zealand wins the #T20WorldCup final by 32 runs! ????
Today wasn’t our day, but the passion and heart shown by the Proteas Women on the world stage will always make us winners.
Thank you, South Africa, and to every supporter around the globe who rallied behind… pic.twitter.com/B3C0XsB8uW
Having opted to bowl first, the Proteas made an excellent start as Ayabonga Khaka got the early wicket of Georgia Plimmer, who was caught in the deep for four.
It forced New Zealand to take their time and rebuild but soon, the experienced Suzie Bates could only make 32 off 31 balls before she shuffled across and was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Captain So
cricket
Proteas Women
T20 World Cup
Laura Wolvaardt
Chloe Tryon
Anneke Bosch
Amelia Kerr