New Zealand Beat South Africa to Take 2-1 Series Lead
New Zealand vs South Africa T20I saw the hosts secure a convincing eight-wicket win to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.
Batting first, South Africa struggled early as Lockie Ferguson removed Wiaan Mulder for a four-ball duck on the fifth delivery of the second over.
The visitors slipped further when Connor Esterhuizen was dismissed by Mitchell Santner for 15 off eight balls, including two fours and a six, leaving South Africa at 26-2 in 4.2 overs.
Tony de Zorzi also departed cheaply, scoring 15 off 18 balls with two boundaries before falling to Ben Sears.
Santner then struck again to remove Jason Smith for 10 off seven deliveries, reducing South Africa to 44-4 after seven overs.
The collapse continued as Rubin Hermann was bowled by Cole McConchie for four, leaving the Proteas in deep trouble at 44-5.
South Africa struggle despite late resistance
Dian Forrester and George Linde tried to stabilise the innings with a 22-run stand to take the total past 50.
However, Forrester fell to Jimmy Neesham for 17 off 15 balls, with South Africa at 68-6 in 11.1 overs.
Linde contributed 23 off 19 deliveries, including two fours and a six, before being dismissed by Kyle Jamieson. Gerald Coetzee added a quick 16 off eight balls.
Ben Sears also removed captain Keshav Maharaj for three.
A late stand between Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla helped South Africa post a competitive total, with Mokoena top-scoring with 26 off 20 balls, including one four and three sixes, while Sipamla made four.
For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner and Ben Sears picked up two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson, Cole McConchie and Jimmy Neesham claimed one apiece.
Latham leads comfortable chase
In reply, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably, losing just two wickets in 16.2 overs.
Tom Latham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 55 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.
He shared a 96-run opening stand with Devon Conway, who scored 39 off 26 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.
Tim Robinson added 17 off 17 balls in a 40-run stand with Latham before falling to Lutho Sipamla.
New Zealand eventually reached the target with 22 balls to spare, with Nick Kelly contributing one run at the end.
With this result, New Zealand lead the five-match T20I series 2-1. The fourth T20I is scheduled to be played in Wellington on March 22.
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