Kate Heffernan during the Netball World Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa on 2 August, 2023. Photo: Mandatory credit: Christiaan Kotze/C&C Photo Agency Photo: Christiaan Kotze / C&C Photo Agency
Despite losing to Jamaica 59-48 in their final cross over match the Silver Ferns are all but guaranteed a place in the semi-finals at the Netball World Cup in South Africa.
South Africa will have to beat Uganda by a huge margin in a few hours to knock New Zealand out of the top four.
It means the Silver Ferns will meet England in the semi-finals on Saturday after they upset favourites Australia 56-55.
The Diamonds and Jamaica will battle it out in the other semi-final.
Meeting England in the semi-finals was always the favourable course for New Zealand and they will be glad to avoid a wounded Australia.
The Silver Ferns made a promising start but Jamaica soon found their rhythm and led 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.
It didn't help that the Silver Ferns got penalised for four offensive contacts.
Kate Heffernan and Karin Burger made some stunning intercepts in the second quarter and the Silver Ferns managed to level with Jamaica.
Jamaican goal keeper Shamera Sterling got a warning for dissent and was replaced.
But the Sunshine Girls finished the first-half strong and led 26-23 at half-time.
New Zealand then won the third quarter to trail by just two heading into the final turn.
But Jamaica came home strong, winning the final quarter by 9 goals.
The Silver Ferns made only two changes to their line-up in the last few minutes, with Phoenix Karaka replacing Jane Watson at goal keep and Maddy Gordon on for Heffernan at centre.
Maia Wilson had a strong game converting 31 from 33.
- RNZ