Connor Esterhuizen then turned the game decisively in South Africa’s favour with a blistering knock…Newsdesk reports
South Africa sealed a 3–2 T20I series victory over New Zealand with a 33 run win in the fifth and final match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Batting first in the decider, the Proteas made a strong start before losing Tony de Zorzi early. Wiaan Mulder and Rubin Hermann steadied the innings with a 55 run stand for the second wicket, laying the platform for a late surge.
Connor Esterhuizen then turned the game decisively in South Africa’s favour with a blistering knock. He smashed 75 off just 33 balls, including six sixes and five fours, adding crucial partnerships with Hermann and Dian Forrester to power the visitors to 187 for 4. Ben Sears picked up two wickets for New Zealand, while Josh Clarkson and Zakaray Foulkes took one each.
In response, New Zealand’s chase got off to a shaky start with an early wicket. Dane Cleaver and Tim Robinson rebuilt briefly, but regular breakthroughs kept the hosts under pressure.
Bevon Jacobs provided some momentum with a quickfire 36, while James Neesham chipped in with 24, and the pair added 52 runs. However, disciplined bowling ensured South Africa maintained control as New Zealand fell short of the target.
The hosts were eventually restricted, handing South Africa a convincing 33 run win and the series.
Esterhuizen was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings and also took home the Player of the Series award.
