“It was an excellent comeback after two consecutive defeats,” said captain Keshav Maharaj.
WELLINGTON: South Africa national cricket team’s spinners delivered a decisive performance as the visitors defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 19 runs in the fourth Twenty20 international on Sunday, leveling the five-match series at 2-2.
New Zealand national cricket team looked well placed to secure the series midway through their chase in Wellington after the South Africa national cricket team posted 164-5.
However, from 88-3 after 10 overs, New Zealand lost wickets quickly and were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
The result pushes the series, featuring relatively inexperienced squads from both sides, to a decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.
The match turned in South Africa’s favour as spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen applied pressure during the middle overs.
Captain Maharaj, the most experienced player in the touring side, conceded just 22 runs in his four overs while taking 2 wickets. Subrayen, playing his first T20 international, dismissed Dane Cleaver for 26 and ended with figures of 2-13 from three overs, triggering a collapse in the New Zealand batting lineup.
Maharaj later said his team showed greater energy and intensity compared to their defeats in Hamilton and Auckland.
“It was a strong response after two back-to-back defeats,” he said.
“Coming into this match, there was clearly more energy and intent.
“We’re a young side still developing at the international level, so it takes time to find our rhythm.”
Opener Tim Robinson top-scored for New Zealand national cricket team with 32 runs, while Gerald Coetzee led the attack with figures of 3-31.
For South Africa national cricket team, the innings was anchored by wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen, who scored 57 off 36 balls before being dismissed by a stunning outfield catch from Katene Clarke on his international debut, off the bowling of Ben Sears.
Sears also impressed with the ball, finishing with figures of 1-22 from four overs, including a final over that conceded just two runs.
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