South Africa and New Zealand play out thrilling draw at Netball World Cup

Two of netball’s powerhouses have played out a thrilling draw at the World Cup as South Africa fought back in an extraordinary finish.

Host nation South Africa and New Zealand have played out a thrilling 48-48 draw at the Netball World Cup.

It was an intriguing encounter given both the Proteas and Silver Ferns had lost their star goal shooters in Lenize Potgieter and Grace Nweke to knee injuries, ruling them out of rest the tournament.

NETBALL WORLD CUP | Watch every Origin Australian Diamonds & Finals matches FREE & LIVE on Kayo Freebies. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Maia Wilson has stepped into New Zealand’s goal shooter position with ease and shot 37 goals from 41 attempts as the Kiwis took a 26-21 lead at halftime.

But South Africa fought back in front of a raucous home crowd in Cape Town, winning the last two quarters to record a historic draw.

Phuzma Maweni was immense for the Proteas and after whittling down lead, the decisive moment came when Maweni intercepted the ball off New Zealand’s last centre pass in a huge play.

With just 15 seconds to go, the Proteas got the ball in the hands of shooter Nichole Taljaard, who nailed a clutch long bomb as the clock ran out.

South Africa pulled off a last minute comeback. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Netball World Cup 2023)

It was a thrilling draw. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Netball World Cup 2023)

The South African players celebrated the draw in jubilant scenes, but New Zealand will feel it was a win that got away.

The commentator on Fox Netball’s coverage said: “That is a famous draw. Look at (South Africa coach) Norma Plummer, she is delighted.

“You talk about famous victories, this is a famous draw. The New Zealanders look a bit stunned.

“This has been a historic moment for South African netball.”

That South Africa vs New Zealand game was insane! 🤯 Such a quality contest. Maweni standing up in a big moment to steal ball back in the final 10 seconds and see the Proteas draw the game, 48-48. #NWC2023

— Brittany Carter (@_BrittanyCarter) August 2, 2023

BEST GAME OF THE WORLD CUP. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 MAWENI NEEDS A STATUE OUTSIDE THIS STADIUM #NWC2023

— Jess Mascilo (@JessLMas) August 2, 2023

Always fascinating to see which team sees the draw as a win, and the other a loss.#NWC2023

— Michael Hutchinson (@xLurch) August 2, 2023

New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua joked beforehand that her veteran South African counterpart Norma Plummer “scares the sh*t out of me” and Plummer was able to get the best out of her team on home soil.

South Africa hasn’t beaten New Zealand since 1995 and despite the draw, that drought will continue.

While impressive, the result may not be enough for South Africa to progress out of the preliminary stages into the semi-finals.

Jamaica and New Zealand are set to qualify, as are Australia and England, who play each other on Thursday at 5pm AEST.

Originally published as South Africa and New Zealand play out thrilling draw at Netball World Cup