South Africa level T20I series at 2-2 after spinners strangle New Zealand in Wellington
Connor Esterhuizen struck 57 off 36 balls as South Africa posted 164 for 5, a total that proved well beyond New Zealand's reach on a Wellington surface that offered turn. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed seven fours and three sixes and was named Player of the Match for his innings, which formed the backbone of the South African total. Rubin Hermann's unbeaten 28 and Tony de Zorzi's 23 off 21 balls provided useful support.
Spin duo choke New Zealand's middle order
New Zealand looked comfortable early in the chase, with Tim Robinson (32 off 22) and Dane Cleaver (26 off 16) finding the boundary at will. Then South Africa's spin combination took over. Prenelan Subrayen, the 32-year-old off-spinner making his T20I debut, bowled Cleaver and Bevon Jacobs in quick succession to finish with 2 for 13 from his three overs. Keshav Maharaj provided control from the other end, returning 2 for 22.
Once the spinners had broken the middle order, Gerald Coetzee cleaned up the tail with three wickets, including the final dismissal as New Zealand were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs. Ottneil Baartman chipped in with two wickets and Wiaan Mulder contributed one.
Series decider heads to Christchurch
South Africa had won the toss and chosen to bat, a decision that paid off as Esterhuizen took the attack to Kyle Jamieson (2 for 29), the pick of the New Zealand bowlers. Ben Sears, Zakary Foulkes and Cole McConchie each took one wicket but were unable to prevent South Africa from posting a competitive total.
The result levels the five-match series at 2-2. South Africa took the opener before New Zealand responded with wins in the second and third matches. The decider will be played on Wednesday, March 25 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
