Latham and Ferguson star as New Zealand take 2-1 T20I series lead over South Africa
New Zealand won the toss and chose to field on a surface that offered plenty for the seamers early on, but South Africa's top order never got going. Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson both picked up early wickets, and at 42-4 after ten overs, the Proteas were already in trouble.
Ferguson chokes the middle overs
Lockie Ferguson was the standout with the ball, conceding just nine runs from his four overs while taking one wicket. Mitchell Santner claimed 2-21 and Sears finished with 2-27, but it was Ferguson's economy that squeezed South Africa hardest during the middle overs. George Linde (23 off 19) and the unbeaten Nqobani Mokoena (26 off 20) offered some resistance late, lifting the total to 136-9, though it always felt well below par.
Conway and Latham set the tone
New Zealand's reply was controlled from the start. Devon Conway cracked 39 off 26 balls at the top, punishing anything short of a length through the offside. He and Latham put on 96 for the opening wicket before Conway fell to Keshav Maharaj.
Latham, promoted up the order for this series, batted with calm assurance throughout. He paced the chase perfectly, never needing to take unnecessary risks with the required rate well under control. His unbeaten 63 off 55 deliveries included seven fours and two sixes. New Zealand reached 137-2 with 22 balls to spare.
Series finely poised heading to Wellington
After South Africa won the opener by seven wickets before New Zealand levelled with a 68-run win in the second match, this third game could prove the most important of the series. New Zealand now have the momentum and home advantage as the teams head to Wellington for the fourth T20I.
Ferguson collected the Player of the Match award for his bowling spell. His ability to hit hard lengths and vary his pace made him almost impossible to score off during the critical middle period.
