Mount Maunganui, March 15 -- The New Zealand Women secured a thrashing 80-run win in the first T20I of the five-match series against South Africa Women at the Bay Oval on Sunday.

With this victory, the White Ferns took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series against the Proteas Women.

Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive score of 190/7 in 20 overs. Opener Georgia Plimmer smashed 63 off 44 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes.

Captain Amelia Kerr continued her sublime form. The New Zealand all-rounder hammered 78 off 44 balls, with 11 fours and two maximums.

Kerr and Plimmer also stitched a brilliant 146-run stand for the second wicket that helped the White Ferns to reach 190 runs.

For the Proteas Women, Masabata Klaas (2/1...