South Africa hold back New Zealand in Wellington to force T20I series decider
India Today
South Africa beat New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I in Wellington to level the five-match series at 2-2 and force a decider, after posting 164 for five and bowling the hosts out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
South Africa held on to beat New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I in Wellington on Sunday, March 22, levelling the five-match series at 2-2 and forcing a decider on Tuesday. The tourists made 164 for five after being sent in and then bowled New Zealand out for 145 in 18.5 overs at Sky Stadium, with Connor Esterhuizen leading the way with the bat in a match-winning effort.
After losing Wiaan Mulder for a duck in the first over, South Africa recovered through Tony de Zorzi and Esterhuizen before the wicketkeeper-batter took charge with a quick 57 off 36 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. His 81-run second-wicket stand with De Zorzi, who scored 23, settled the innings after the early setback and set up a competitive total.
New Zealand vs South Africa 4th T20I: Highlights
Rubin Hermann then guided the finish with an unbeaten 28 from 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 ended on 164 for five. Kyle Jamieson was New Zealand’s best bowler with two for 29 from four overs.
New Zealand started the chase well, with Tim Robinson scoring 32 off 22 balls and Dane Cleaver adding 26 off 16, but South Africa kept taking wickets at key moments. Robinson fell to Gerald Coetzee after a bright start, and when Prenelan Subrayen dismissed Cleaver and Bevon Jacobs in quick succession, the hosts lost momentum.
Keshav Maharaj increased 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.
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