James Neesham laments ‘subpar finish’ as South Africa seal 3-2 series win over New Zealand
South Africa staged a strong comeback from 2-1 down to beat New Zealand 3-2 in the T20I series, with a 33-run win in the final.
A composed half-century from Connor Esterhuizen, followed by a disciplined bowling effort, powered South Africa to a 19-run win over New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Sky Stadium on Sunday, levelling the five-match series 2-2.
Batting first, South Africa posted a competitive 164/5 in 20 overs, with Esterhuizen anchoring the innings with a fluent 57. In response, New Zealand were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs, falling short despite a promising start.
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The result sets up a series decider, scheduled for March 25 at Hagley Oval.
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South Africa endured an early setback after losing Wiaan Mulder off just the second ball. However, Esterhuizen and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with a crucial 81-run partnership, laying a strong foundation. Esterhuizen brought up his half-century in 33 balls, maintaining the scoring momentum through the middle overs.
New Zealand, led by James Neesham, fought back with timely breakthroughs. Esterhuizen departed for 57, while de Zorzi chipped in with 23. Late contributions from Rubin Hermann (28*) and cameos from Jason Smith and Dian Forrester (19 each) helped the visitors push to a competitive total.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Zakary Foulkes, Ben Sears, and Cole McConchie chipped in with one apiece.
Chasing 165, New Zealand struggled to build momentum. Tim Robinson top-scored with 32, while Dane Cleaver made 26. At 76/2 in 8.2 overs, the hosts were well in the contest, but Cleaver’s dismissal triggered a collapse.
New Zealand lost eight wickets for just 69 runs thereafter and were eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
Gerald Coetzee starred with the ball, picking up three wickets, while Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen, and Keshav Maharaj claimed two wickets each to seal the win.
New Zealand vs South Africa 4th T20I: Playing XIs
New Zealand:
Jimmy Neesham (c), Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver (wk), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears
South Africa:
Keshav Maharaj (c), Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman
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