Sophie Devine Surpasses Beth Mooney in Women's T20I Run Rankings

In a thrilling match, Sophie Devine of New Zealand has overtaken Australia's Beth Mooney to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in women's T20I history. Devine's explosive 64 runs helped her team secure a victory against South Africa, leading to a 3-1 series advantage. Discover more about her remarkable performance and the match highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 12:56 IST

Devine Climbs the T20I Rankings

Wellington [New Zealand], March 22: In a remarkable achievement, New Zealand's seasoned player Sophie Devine has surpassed Australia's Beth Mooney to secure her position as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of women's T20 internationals.

This milestone was reached during the fourth T20I match against South Africa in Wellington, where Devine showcased her batting prowess with a stunning 64 runs off just 34 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, and achieving an impressive strike rate of 188.23.

With this performance, Devine's total runs in T20Is now stand at 3,587 across 150 matches and 146 innings, averaging 28.69 with a strike rate of 121.59. Her T20I career includes one century and 23 half-centuries. In comparison, Mooney has accumulated 3,534 runs in 117 matches and 111 innings, boasting an average of 41.57 and a strike rate exceeding 125, along with two centuries and 28 fifties, with a top score of 117*.

The all-time leading run-scorer in women's T20Is is Devine's teammate Suzie Bates, who has amassed 4,717 runs in 181 matches and 175 innings, averaging 28.93 with a strike rate of 108.56, including one century and 28 fifties.

In the match itself, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite losing wickets consistently, contributions from Annerie Dercksen (55* off 32 balls, including eight fours and a six), Sune Luus (30 off 29 balls with four boundaries), and Nadine de Klerk (20 off 14 balls with two fours) helped South Africa reach a total of 159/6 in their 20 overs. Jess Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in four overs.

During New Zealand's chase, they found themselves at 57/2 after 7.5 overs. However, solid performances from captain Amelia Kerr (31 off 29 balls with four boundaries) and Devine (64 off 34 balls) led the team to victory with nine balls remaining and six wickets in hand. With this win, New Zealand has secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.