New Zealand and South Africa head to Christchurch with T20I series on the line
Three weeks of T20I cricket across New Zealand come down to one match. The series has swung back and forth, and neither side deserves to lose it.
How the series has unfolded
South Africa won the opener in Mount Maunganui convincingly, bowling New Zealand out for just 91 and chasing the target down for the loss of three wickets. The Black Caps responded in style, winning the second T20I by 68 runs on the back of Devon Conway's 60 before cruising to an eight-wicket win in the third.
That left South Africa staring at a series defeat heading to Wellington. Instead, the Proteas produced their best performance of the tour.
Esterhuizen and the spinners turn it around
Connor Esterhuizen, playing only his fourth T20I, scored a maiden international half-century of 57 off 36 balls to help South Africa post 164 for 5. It was the kind of knock that changes a series, full of clean hitting and composure under pressure.
With the ball, South Africa's spinners took over. Prenelan Subrayen, making his T20I debut, claimed 2 for 13 from his three overs. Captain Keshav Maharaj added 2 for 22, and between them they strangled New Zealand's middle order. Gerald Coetzee chipped in with 3 for 31 as the hosts were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
What to expect in Christchurch
Hagley Oval tends to offer pace and bounce, which could suit South Africa's quicks. Lockie Ferguson has been New Zealand's standout bowler in the series, conceding just 1 for 9 in the third T20I, and the conditions in Christchurch should be right up his alley too.
Mitchell Santner's New Zealand side will want to make home advantage count. They have won both series matches where they batted second, and the toss could prove important on Wednesday. For Maharaj's South Africa, the momentum from Wellington might be the biggest weapon they carry south.
