Maddy Green's 141 Powers NZ to Fourth Straight Series Win

Maddy Green could barely walk off the field after her career-best performance, but her unbeaten 141 runs had just delivered something special for New Zealand cricket.

The White Ferns batter collapsed with leg cramps in the final over at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Saturday, having squeezed every ounce of energy from her body to power her team to a series-clinching victory over South Africa. Green's incredible innings included 15 boundaries across 128 balls and gave New Zealand a 2-1 series win.

"I think probably up there with one of my best innings for the White Ferns," Green said after the match. "To get a series win against a really good South African side is really pleasing."

The victory looked impossible at the start. New Zealand lost three wickets in the first three overs, including star player Melie Kerr for a golden duck. Opener Suzie Bates didn't score a single run.

But Green and teammate Brooke Halliday refused to give up. The pair built a stunning 211-run partnership that transformed the game. Halliday came agonizingly close to her own century, scoring 98 runs before being caught in the 40th over.

New Zealand finished with 306 runs. South Africa looked threatening at 145-2 in the 26th over, but the wheels came off after Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for 69 runs.

The Ripple Effect

This fourth consecutive home series victory shows how far women's cricket in New Zealand has come. The White Ferns are building momentum and confidence with each win, inspiring the next generation of young cricketers across the country.

Rosemary Mair sealed the deal with outstanding bowling, taking five wickets for 50 runs. She captured the final South African wicket to end their innings at 240 runs, giving New Zealand a comfortable 66-run victory.

Green's teammates helped massage life back into her cramping legs on the field, a fitting image of the teamwork that powered this comeback win.