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Proteas Level T20I Series vs Kiwis as Maharaj Lauds Young Team's Hunger

South Africa secured a 19-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth T20I to level the series 2-2, setting up a decider. Skipper Keshav Maharaj praised the youthful squad's energy, hunger, and adaptability in the face of dropped catches. Debutant spinner Prenelan Subrayen impressed with two wickets, while Connor Esterhuizen's quick-fire 57 helped post a competitive total. New Zealand collapsed from a strong position, losing 7 wickets for 57 runs to be bowled out for 145.

Key Points: SA Level Series vs NZ: Maharaj Praises Team's Energy & Hunger

  • SA levels series 2-2 with 19-run win
  • Maharaj praises team's energy and hunger
  • Debutant Prenelan Subrayen takes two wickets
  • Connor Esterhuizen scores maiden T20I fifty
2 min read

"There was a lot of good energy and hunger within the group": Proteas skipper Keshav Maharaj lauds his team's performance after win over Kiwi's

South Africa beats New Zealand by 19 runs to level the T20I series 2-2. Skipper Keshav Maharaj lauds the young team's energy and adaptability.

"There was a lot of good energy and a little bit of hunger within the group, and we showed that. - Keshav Maharaj"

Wellington, March 22

South Africa skipper Keshav Maharaj praised his team's performance after their victory over New Zealand in the fourth T20I, highlighting the youthful squad's energy and hunger.

Superb bowling performance from South Africa cruised them to a 19-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth T20I on Sunday as they level the series 2-2 at the Sky Stadium, in Wellington, making the final and fifth fixture the series decider.

He lauded the adaptability of the players, the calmness despite dropped catches, and the impressive debut of Prenelan Subrayen, who took two wickets, calling it a "fantastic" response after three games.

Maharaj and Subrayen, with their spin, were outstanding. The spin duo were the ones who brought South Africa right into the game with wickets as well as choking the runs.

"There was a lot of good energy and a little bit of hunger within the group, and we showed that. It is a young team that is finding its way in international cricket, but to see the response after three games is superb. I think the way the debutant (Subrayen) took two wickets was fantastic. There were dropped catches, but there was no panic. There were no pre-planned ideas coming in, and the guys just adapted," Maharaj said

South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen starred with a quick-fire maiden half-century, scoring 57 off just 33 balls, helping his side post a competitive total of 164/5 after electing to bat.

New Zealand looked in control midway through their chase, reaching 88/3 in 10 overs, seemingly on course to seal the series. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose wickets in quick succession, eventually being bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's refreshing to see a series so evenly poised. The collapse from New Zealand was unexpected. Spin made the difference, as it often does.
P
Priyanka N
The debutant Subrayen taking two wickets is the real story! Nothing like a young player stepping up under pressure. Reminds me of when Bumrah first came on the scene for India. All the best to him!
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Aman W
Good win for SA, but honestly, the standard of cricket in this series hasn't been top-tier. Both teams are missing key players. The final should be a cracker though.
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Kavya N
"No panic" after dropped catches is a great sign of team maturity. That's a lesson for all young sides. Excited for the series finale now!
M
Michael C
Esterhuizen's fifty was crucial. A competitive total on the board always gives the bowlers something to defend. Classic T20 turnaround.

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