Skipper Wolvaardt hits classy century as Proteas women claim series win over NZ

A stunning century from skipper Laura Wolvaardt guided the Proteas women to a comfortable victory in the second ODI against New Zealand at Pietermaritzburg Oval on Thursday.

Wolvaardt played a captain's knock as South Africa sealed a seven-wicket win in front of a decent Pietermaritzburg crowd.

Chasing 254, the Proteas eased to victory with 28 balls remaining and clinched the three-match ODI series 2-0 with one game still remaining.

The Proteas lost opener Tazmin Brits early as she was caught and bowled by Lea Tahuhu for 17. Lara Goodall continued to struggle in the middle as she only scored three before she clipped the ball behind to the wicketkeeper off Hannah Rowe.

A 98-run stand between Wolvaardt and Sune Luus put the hosts in control, with Luus bringing up her 14th ODI half-century.

Luus scored 53 off 57 balls (hitting five fours and a six) before the former Proteas skipper was bowled by Tahuhu.

Her departure brought the reliable Marizanne Kapp to the middle alongside an already set Wolvaardt.

The two put on an unbeaten 116-run fourth-wicket stand as they steered the game away from the visitors.

Wolvaardt survived some close calls in her innings as she was caught at cover for 79, but NZ skipper Sophie Devine overstepped and a no-ball was called.

Wolvaardt was also dropped at mid-off just before reaching her fourth ODI century.

The Proteas skipper remained unbeaten on 124 off 141 balls (hitting 15 fours).

Kapp contributed a fine unbeaten 45 off 49 balls as she slapped a boundary to take the hosts to an easy win.

Earlier on, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine De Klerk starred with the ball as they restricted New Zealand to 253 all out inside their 50 overs.

Masabata Klaas struck twice early on as she removed Suzie Bates (14) and Devine