Up-and-coming shooter Martina Salmon has singlehanded propelled New Zealand into the Fast5 netball final, dropping two powerplay six-pointers in the final minute to overhaul South Africa 41-40 in a must-win round robin match at Christchurch.
Both teams entered the contest with three-win, one-loss records, both needing victory to join Australia in the final on Sunday evening.
The Proteas gained control of the game late in the opening quarter, when shooter Rolene Streukter converted a four-pointer to put them clear. The margin reached 20 goals late in the third quarter, before Fast Ferns veteran Maia Wilson converted back-to-back four-pointers to close within 12.
The deficit was still 11, when Salmon connected on her first six-pointer with 33 seconds remaining — a shot that bounced high above the goal, before falling straight through the net. South African shooter Zandre Smith missed at the other end and Salmon completed her heroics with a buzzerbeater that sent the venue into raptures.
Salmon had previously converted a buzzerbeating six-pointer in New Zealand's opening win over Jamaica and her performance at this tournament may boost her hopes of a full Silver Ferns call-up.
Fast5 is a rugby sevens-style format and the Fast5 Ferns consist mainly of fringe internationals, coached by Yvette McCausland-Durie and Tia Winikeri.
Australia completed their poolplay with a 41-27 win over England to remain unbeaten.
SHARE ME