South Africa beat New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I in Wellington on Sunday, March 22, to level the five-match series at 2-2 and force a decider on Tuesday. The tourists made 164 for five after being sent in and then bowled out New Zealand for 145 in 18.5 overs at the Sky Stadium, with Connor Esterhuizen leading the bat in a match-winning bid.
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After losing Wiaan Mulder for a duck in the first over, South Africa recovered through Tony de Zorzi and Esterhuizen before the wicketkeeper-palter led the way with a brisk 57 off 36 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. His 81-run stand for the second wicket with De Zorzi, who scored 23, leveled the innings after an early setback and produced a competitive total.
New Zealand vs South Africa 4th T20I: Highlights
Rubin Hermann then led the charge with an unbeaten 28 off 25 balls, while Dian Forrester and Jason Smith added 19 each and George Linde chipped in with 14 not out from eight balls as South Africa finished on 164 for five. Kyle Jamieson was New Zealand’s best bowler with two for 29 from four overs.
PROTEAS KEEP YOUR NERVES
New Zealand started the chase well, with Tim Robinson scoring 32 off 22 balls and Dane Cleaver adding 26 off 16, but South Africa were taking wickets at key moments. Robinson fell to Gerald Coetzee after a brilliant start and when Prenelan Subrayen dismissed Cleaver and Bevon Jacobs in quick succession, the hosts lost momentum.
Keshav Maharaj piled on the pressure in the middle overs, removing Nick Kelly for 19 and Cole McConchie for 10 as New Zealand slipped from 95 for five to 112 for seven.
With the required rate rising, the bottom order could not recover despite a late resistance from Kyle Jamieson, who made 13. Coetzee finished with three for 31, while Subrayen took two for 13, Maharaj picked two for 22 and Ottneil Baartman returned two for 30 in a disciplined all-round bowling effort.
New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 145, giving South Africa a deserved win and ensuring the series would be decided in the fifth and final match. Esterhuizen was named man of the match for his crucial half-century and two catches.
A brief score
South Africa: 164/5 in 20 overs. Connor Esterhuizen (57), Rubin Hermann (28*); Kyle Jamieson (2/29)
New Zealand: 145 all out in 18.5 overs. Tim Robinson (32), Dane Cleaver (26); Gerald Coetzee (3/31), Prenelan Subrayen (2/13)
Result: South Africa beat New Zealand by 19 runs
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
March 22, 2026 5:44 PM IST
