South Africa bowlers produced an excellent performance to guide their side to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I and take the lead in the five-match series on March 15 at Mount Maunganui.
After deciding to bat first, the Kiwis struggled throughout their innings. The top-order failed to give them a good start as Devon Conway (1), Tom Latham (7), Tim Robinson (6) and Nick Kelly (2) fell early, leaving the side under pressure.
The middle order tried to steady the innings, with James Neesham scoring 26 runs, while Mitchell Santner added 15 runs and Cole McConchie also contributed 15 runs.
However, none of them managed to play an impactful innings as New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 91 runs in 14.3 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers played a major role in restricting the home side. Nqobani Mokoena led the attack with three wickets, conceding 26 runs in 3.3 overs. Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj and Ottneil Baartman picked up two wickets each, restricting New Zealand to under 100-run mark.
While chasing 92, the visitors lost their opener Tony de Zorzi (2) early. Connor Esterhuizen then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 runs off 48 balls. Dian Forrester also added crucial unbeaten 16 runs, while Jason Smith contributed 10 runs in the chase.
However, the target proved too small for South Africa, who chased it down in 16.4 overs to seal a comfortable win. Mokoena bagged the Player of the Match award for his bowling performance.
With the ball, New Zealand managed to pick three wickets, with Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes and Mitchell Santner taking one wicket each.
Both teams will now move to Hamilton for the second T20I on March 17.
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