In a heart-pounding clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Proteas went head-to-head against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in a riveting match at the Netball World Cup.
The game ended in a dramatic draw with a final score of 48-48, leaving both teams locked in an intense battle that showcased their skills and determination.
Right from the first whistle, it was clear that this encounter would be nothing short of electrifying. The CTICC arena was buzzing with excitement as the Proteas started off with a determined effort. The defending champions, New Zealand, proved their mettle, taking an early lead with Maia Wilson’s flawless shooting performance.
However, the Proteas showed their resilience, fighting back with Nichole Taljaard and Ine-Marí Venter finding the target to level the score at 2-2.
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As the game progressed, the defensive duo of Karla Pretorius and Phumza Maweni made their presence felt, making it challenging for the Silver Ferns to find the net. The second quarter saw an evenly matched performance, with the teams going into halftime with New Zealand leading by a narrow margin, 26-21.
The third quarter witnessed a stunning comeback by the Proteas, who won the quarter 13-12 and reduced the deficit to just four points. Elmeré van der Berg replaced Venter as goal shooter, injecting new energy into the South African attack. The crowd roared in support as the Proteas intensified their efforts, closing the gap to only two points.
The final quarter was a nail-biting affair, with South Africa relentlessly chasing the lead. Elmeré van der Berg’s back-to-back scores and Elize Kotze’s strategic play helped the Proteas claw their way back into contention.
As the tension reached its peak, it was evident that both teams were giving their all to secure a victory. The clock ticked down, and just before the final whistle blew, Nichole Taljaard made the vital shot, marking the end of an unforgettable showdown and leaving the final score at 48-48.
While this match ended in a draw, the excitement and intensity of the match left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this Netball World Cup journey.
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Picture: @Netball_SA / Twitter
