Suzie Bates blasts New Zealand to opening victory at Commonwealth Games

Bates cracked 91 not out as the Kiwis posted a challenging total at Edgbaston, before the Proteas struggled in the chase

Edgbaston: New Zealand 167-2, South Africa 154-7 - New Zealand won by 13 runs

Scorecard

Suzie Bates was the star of the show as New Zealand opened their Commonwealth Games campaign with a victory over South Africa.

Bates cracked 91 not out as the Kiwis posted a challenging total at Edgbaston, before the Proteas struggled in the chase.

The New Zealand opener, playing in her second Games - in a second sport, clubbed eight fours and three sixes in her 64-innings.

She put on 99 in 13.2 overs with Sophie Devine, before captain Devine was caught by Chloe Tryon off the bowling Nonkululeko Mlaba for 48.

^{Suzie Bates made 91 not out for New Zealand against South Africa [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

Amelia Kerr joined Bates to add 68 for the second wicket, with Kerr only falling off the final ball of the innings - run out for 20. 

Anneke Bosch and Tasmin Brits were both dismissed cheaply in South Africa's reply, and while the middle order all got in, none could go on to contribute the individual score necessary to breach the target.

Mignon du Preez (26), Laura Wolvaardt (28), Tryon (39) and Sune Luus (32) all came and went, but the required rate only went up.

Hayley Jensen was the picked of the Kiwi bowlers with 1 for 22, while Devine claimed 3 for 37.

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