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Esterhuizen's Maiden Fifty Powers South Africa to Series-Leveling T20I Win

South Africa leveled the five-match T20I series 2-2 with a 19-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington. Batting first, Connor Esterhuizen's maiden half-century of 57 runs provided a crucial foundation for the Proteas' total of 164/5. The New Zealand chase was hampered by regular wickets, with Gerald Coetzee taking three, as they were bowled out for 145 in the 19th over. The series will now be decided in the final match in Christchurch.

Key Points: SA Beat NZ by 19 Runs, Level T20I Series 2-2

  • Esterhuizen's maiden T20I fifty
  • South Africa levels series 2-2
  • NZ bowled out for 145
  • Decider match in Christchurch
  • Regular wickets halt NZ chase
2 min read

Esterhuizen's maiden half-century helps South Africa beat New Zealand by 19 runs in 4th T20I

Connor Esterhuizen's maiden half-century guides South Africa to a 19-run victory over New Zealand in the 4th T20I, setting up a series decider.

"Connor Esterhuizen was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. - Match Report"

Wellington, March 22

South Africa defeated New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I held at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Sunday. This win helped the visitors level the five-match series 2-2.

After South Africa opted to bat first, Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi (23 off 21 balls) opened the batting. Mulder couldn't score a single run and lost his wicket in the first over of Kyle Jamieson.

Connor Esterhuizen came one down and added 81 runs for the second wicket with de Zorzi. Esterhuizen went on to hit his maiden half-century, which helped the Proteas get a flying start.

He made 57 runs off 36 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes.

Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester (19 off 14 balls) added 38 runs for the fourth wicket. Jason Smith also contributed with 19 runs.

George Linde (14*) and Hermann (28 not out off 25 balls) remained unbeaten and helped their side post 164/5 in 20 overs.

Jamieson took a couple of wickets, whereas Zakary Foulkes, Ben Sears and Cole McConchie took one wicket each.

Chasing a challenging target of 165 runs, Tim Robinson opened the batting for New Zealand with debutant Katene Clarke.

Clarke hit a couple of boundaries before losing his wicket to Mulder. He made nine runs off just five balls.

Robinson (32 off 22 balls) added 24 runs for the second wicket with Dane Cleaver (26 off 16 balls).

Proteas kept taking wickets at regular intervals, which didn't let the Blackcaps batters build any big partnerships.

McConchie hit a couple of boundaries, but Keshav Maharaj bowled him to affect their run-chase.

Gerald Coetzee took the last wicket of Jamieson to halt New Zealand at 145/10. Coetzee took three wickets as Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman and Prenelan Subrayen grabbed a couple of wickets each.

Connor Esterhuizen was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

The fifth T20I and series decider will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see a competitive series. South Africa's bowling attack, especially Coetzee and Maharaj, was clinical in the middle overs. New Zealand missed a finisher like Phillips today.
R
Rohit P
164 didn't look like a winning total, but the Proteas bowlers defended it brilliantly. This is why T20 is so unpredictable! Excited for the decider. Hope the weather holds up in Christchurch.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is fantastic cricket. Both teams giving their all. Esterhuizen was the difference. Though I must say, the Blackcaps' batting order looked a bit fragile without their regulars.
V
Vikram M
Solid team performance from SA. But Mulder getting out for a duck as an opener is a concern. They got lucky that Esterhuizen and de Zorzi stabilized the innings. Need a better start in the final.
K
Karthik V
Level at 2-2! Perfect setup for a Wednesday thriller. This kind of close series is great for the sport. Hope both teams field their best XIs for the finale. May the best team win! 🙌

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