
New Zealand vs South Africa 4th T20I highlights: New Zealand foundered against South Africa's spinners as the Proteas won the fourth T20I by 19 runs Sunday to level the five-match series at 2-2. Connor Esterhuizen (57) made a maiden half-century from 33 balls as South Africa scored 164/5 after choosing to bat. Esterhuizen's innings made the difference.
New Zealand was ahead at 63/2 after the powerplay with Tim Robinson making 32 from 22 balls at the top of the order. But left-armer Prenelan Subrayen took 2/13 on debut and Keshav Maharaj took 2-22 to cut through the New Zealand middle order and turn the match in South Africa's favor.
Dane Cleaver made 26 from 16 balls, returning to the New Zealand lineup after almost three years. He was looking dangerous when he was beaten and bowled by a Subrayen delivery. Bevon Jacobs was also bowled by Subrayen when the ball dipped under his bat.
Jimmy Neesham (10) was dropped twice then caught in the same over from Ottneil Baartman, who took 2-30 from four overs. Maharaj removed Nick Kelly (16) and Cole McConchie (10) as the spinners pinned down the New Zealand batters by varying their pace and flight. The deciding match is at Christchurch on Wednesday.
That's it. South Africa level series as Gerald Coetzee takes the final wicket of Kyle Jamieson. New Zealand are all out for 145 in 18.5 overs in reply to South Africa's 164/5. With this win, the series is levelled at 2-2 with decider on March 25.
OUTTT!!! It's just a matter of time for South Africa to win. Gerald Coetzee dismissed Josh Clarkson as New Zealand lose their ninth. NZ 134/9 (17)
OUTTT!!! Two in an over for Keshav Maharaj. Nick Kelly was the first one to go, caught by Rubin Hermann, Maharaj cleans up Cole McConchie as South African inch towards levelling the series. New Zealand, who started well in chase, have suddenly lost four wickets within four overs. Ottneil Baartman adds another to his tally with the wicket of Zakary Foulkes. NZ 120/8 (14.4)
Things have turned for South Africa in the middle, thanks to Prenelan Subrayen and Ottneil Baartman. While Subrayen got better of Bevon Jacobs, Baartman had James Neesham caught by Gerald Coetzee. The Kiwis continue to falter as South Africa pile the pressure on. NZ 111-5 (13)
Runs hand dried up for New Zealand after the dismissal of Tim Robinson. To add more to the misery, Dane Cleaver also walks back after being cleaned up by debutant Prenelan Subrayen for 26. NZ 88-3 (10)
OUTTT!!!! Big wicket for South Africa as Tim Robinson is caught by Rubin Hermann after a top edge. George Linde must be a relieved man now after dropping him the previous over. Gerald Coetzee strikes as Tim walks back for 32 off 22 balls. NZ 52/2 (5.2)
There is no stopping Tim Robinson as the New Zealand opener dispatches Ottneil Baartman two more boundaries as Kiwis go strong in the chase. DROPPEDDDD!! Robinson survives as George Linde spills at mid-wicket. NZ 52-1 (5)
OUTTT!!!! Wiaam Mulder strikes for South Africa. Katene Clarke is caught by Rubin Hermann in the boundary. The Kiwi opener goes on backfoot to go for a pull but Hermann's brilliance wins in Wellington. NZ 32-1 (3)
Tim Robinson and Katene Clarke walk out for New Zealand in the chase. George Linde will open the attack for South Africa. Cracking start by Robinson in the chase as the right-hander puts Gerald Coetzee out of the ground in the second over twice. Clarke starts his T20I career with a couple of first-over boundaries. NZ 25/0 (2)
George Linde and Rubin Hermann takes 18 runs in the final two overs to propel South Africa to 164/5 in 20 overs. For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson took two wickets while Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes and Cole McConchie got a wicket apiece.
Jamie Smith tries to accelerate the scoring with a flurry of boundaries, but Kyle Jamieson has the last laugh as the South African youngster holes out to Tim Robinson in the deep. SA 146-5 (18)
The run-flow have seemed to dented after the dismissals of Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen. Zakary Foulkes dismissed Dian Forrester to further tighten the grip around the South Africans. Jason Smith and Rubin Hermann are currently in the middle. SA 123/4 (16)
OUTTT!!! Two wickets in two overs for New Zealand. After Ben Sears, Cole McConchie strikes to bring the Kiwis back in the game. Tony de Zorzi holes out to James Neesham for 23. New Zealand lose both set batters. SA 85-3 (11)
Fifty for Connor Esterhuizen in just 33 balls!! Esterhuizen brings up his maiden fifty in T20Is with a four off Ben Sears. However, Sears had the last laugh, as Esterhuizen is caught brilliantly by debutant Katene D Clarke. Esterhuizen departs after 57 off 36 balls with seven fours and three sixes. SA 82/2 (10)
BANGGG!!! The departure of Wiaan Mulder didn't had any effect on Connor Esterhuizen as the 24-year-old is making Wellington his own with a flurry of hits outside the ropes. From Ben Sears to James Neesham, no is being spared by Esterhuizen. South Africa race to fifty in the powerplay. SA 50/1 (6)
Unlike the previous match, Tony de Zorzi looks to be in fine touch today. The South African opener smashes two back-to-back fours off Zakary Foulkes to finish the over. If De Zorzi grabbed the spotlight in the second over, Connor Esterhuizen does the same in the next. Playing just his fourth game, Esterhuizen is taking Kyle Jamieson to cleaners with a six and a four in the same over. SA 21/1 (3)
Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi walk out to bat for South Africa. Kyle Jamieson will open the attack for the Kiwis. OUTTTT!!! What a start by the home side. Jamieson bangs on good length and a tentative Mulder edges to Tim Robinson at slips. Mulder goes for a duck. SA 0/1 (1)
New Zealand are missing Tom Latham, who picked up a thumb injury in the previous game. Also not available is captain Mitchell Santner, who is believed to left for India to play in the IPL. Katene Clarke has been handed a debut cap. James Neesham is leading the side.
Keshav Maharaj: Looks a good wicket. Taking viewings from the women's game, looked a good wicket. Looks low and slow and hence the decision to bat.
James Neesham: Obviously an honour (leading the team), something you reflect on later and probably after your career. Happy to do whatever the team requires.
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