A clinical bowling display by the Proteas set up a 7-wicket victory in the 1st T20I against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Mitchell Santner won the toss, and the New Zealand Blackcaps opted to bat first in Mount Maunganui. South Africa’s 4 uncapped players all got an international debut today. Wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen, opening batter Jordan Hermann, allrounder Dian Forrester, and pacer Nqobani Mokoena donned the green and gold for the first of hopefully many more times to come.
But that decision would prove detrimental, as the returning Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman carved up the inexperienced NZ top-order for single-digit scores in the Powerplay. It went from bad to worse, as Bevon Jacobs got runout on the penultimate ball of the 6th over.
With half their side back in the dugout, it was time for the hosts to rebuild, but a lapse in concentration from the skipper brought about his downfall. SA captain Keshav Maharaj bowled him while he tried to attempt an extravagant slog.
Jimmy Neesham top-scored with 26, but it was a slight consolation in what was an innings to forget.
Mokoena, the 19-year-old quick, mopped up the tail with 3 wickets, and closed out the NZ innings at 91. It was a domineering bowling display, with everyone making a statement after a rough semifinal loss in the World Cup.
The Proteas laboured through their run chase. Losing three wickets early, it was left to Connor Esterhuizen and Dian Forrester to complete the victory.
The wicket-keeper batter, Esterhuizen, scored 45 off 48 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes) and all rounder Forrester managed 16 off 25 balls, to take South Africa over the line.
Th Proteas won by 7 wickets with 20 balls remaining.