93/3 (16.4)
CR : 5.58
91/10 (14.3)
CR : 6.28
South Africa won by 7 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
N Mokoena
3/26
16.4
6
K Jamieson to C Esterhuizen
SIX RUNS!!! Connor Esterhuizen deservingly hits the winning runs! South Africa win the first T20I at Bay Oval by 7 wickets! They did the hard work with the ball to keep New Zealand under 100 before the batters dug in on a tacky surface to do the rest inside 17 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in this 5-match series! Short of a length outside the off stump. Esterhuizen picks it up early and pulls it over deep backward square leg for a maximum. The debutant battled hard in his impressive knock, remaining unbeaten on 45 off 48 balls!!!
Over 17
South Africa 93/3
Connor Esterhuizen45(48)
Dian Forrester16(25)
Kyle Jamieson1-28(3.4)
SA won by 7 wickets
2:32 PM IST, 10:02 PM local time: South Africa win by 7 wickets.
As Forrest Gump said, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." That is exactly what the crowd gathered at Bay Oval experienced on this Sunday. The day began with the White Ferns notching up 190 in their 20 overs, making everyone believe that conditions out there were well-suited for batting. And then, come the evening, come the men's fixture, the script changed.
New Zealand got bundled out for 91. South Africa might have breached the target down with 3.2 overs to spare, but their chase was anything but a walk in the park. It will be safe to say that the pitch, having gone through some wear and tear, had enough in it for everyone in the evening. Yet, it is hard to believe that it was as bad as the scoreboard seems to suggest.
Blackcaps were guilty of playing some poor shots. The openers never looked fluent. Conway got out playing a clumsy pull shot while Latham missed a straight one to be trapped LBW. Robinson too played a forgettable shot and thus began the procession. Though, one must take nothing away from the bowlers. Up front with the new ball, they extracted whatever lateral movement was there on offer. Then, they executed the slower ones well while mixing them up with the odd short ball that took off the deck. A direct hit to send Jacobs packing and a peach from Baartman to dismiss Kelly followed. Then, Maharaj chipped in with an excellent spell before Mokoena picked up his first two wickets in T20Is. Neesham was the only batter who could make more than 20.
When Tony de Zorzi got out trying a brash looking heave, a ray of hope emerged for New Zealand. It got brighter as Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rubin Hermann. However, Connor Esterhuizen put some sensible, unhurried and stubborn batsmanship on display to ensure that South Africa did not crumble.
Mitchell Santner, in particular, asked tough questions. He got drift, turn and some bounce too. For a while, he even had a short leg and a slip in place and made it feel like a Test match during the course of his outstanding spell of 4-0-8-1. Alas, New Zealand just did not have enough runs on the board to put the visitors under pressure.
As Forrest Gump said, "life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." That is exactly what the crowd gathered at Bay Oval experienced on this Sunday. The day began with the White Ferns notching up 190 in their 20 overs, making everyone believe that conditions out there were well-suited for batting. And then, come the evening, come the men's fixture, the script changed.
New Zealand got bundled out for 91. South Africa might have breached the target down with 3.2 overs to spare, but their chase was anything but a walk in the park. It will be safe to say that the pitch, having gone through some wear and tear, had enough in it for everyone in the evening. Yet, it is hard to believe that it was as bad as the scoreboard seems to suggest.
Blackcaps were guilty of playing some poor shots. The openers never looked fluent. Conway got out playing a clumsy pull shot while Latham missed a straight one to be trapped LBW. Robinson too played a forgettable shot and thus began the procession. Though, one must take nothing away from the bowlers. Up front with the new ball, they extracted whatever lateral movement was there on offer. Then, they executed the slower ones well while mixing them up with the odd short ball that took off the deck. A direct hit to send Jacobs packing and a peach from Baartman to dismiss Kelly followed. Then, Maharaj chipped in with an excellent spell before Mokoena picked up his first two wickets in T20Is. Neesham was the only batter who could make more than 20.
When Tony de Zorzi got out trying a brash looking heave, a ray of hope emerged for New Zealand. It got brighter as Kyle Jamieson dismissed Rubin Hermann. However, Connor Esterhuizen put some sensible, unhurried and stubborn batsmanship on display to ensure that South Africa did not crumble.
Mitchell Santner, in particular, asked tough questions. He got drift, turn and some bounce too. For a while, he even had a short leg and a slip in place and made it feel like a Test match during the course of his outstanding spell of 4-0-8-1. Alas, New Zealand just did not have enough runs on the board to put the visitors under pressure.
Player of the Match: Nqobani Mokoena
Nqobani Mokoena (POTM): "(On his debut feeling) It was quite cool making my debut in the first game. I just went out there and enjoyed it. The whole team was backing me, and I was quite excited.
(About the wickets he picked up) It is a pretty good feeling. The first two overs didn't really go my way, and I thought I wasn't going to get any, but I just backed my plans, and thank God it came off. It was quite cool, and I just relaxed after that. I was like, Okay, at least I got one.
(About the conditions and bowling plans) The conditions were in our favour as bowlers. It was quite nippy, so I got to use my slower balls and had fun. I've been practising and just backed my preparations. That's it."
(About the wickets he picked up) It is a pretty good feeling. The first two overs didn't really go my way, and I thought I wasn't going to get any, but I just backed my plans, and thank God it came off. It was quite cool, and I just relaxed after that. I was like, Okay, at least I got one.
(About the conditions and bowling plans) The conditions were in our favour as bowlers. It was quite nippy, so I got to use my slower balls and had fun. I've been practising and just backed my preparations. That's it."
Player of the Match Award on debut for South Africa in Men's T20Is
Roelof van der Merwe vs Australia, Centurion, 2009
Rilee Rossouw vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014
Eddie Leie vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2015
Lungi Ngidi vs Sri Lanka, Centurion, 2017
Nqobani Mokoena vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui, 2026, tonight*
Roelof van der Merwe vs Australia, Centurion, 2009
Rilee Rossouw vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014
Eddie Leie vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2015
Lungi Ngidi vs Sri Lanka, Centurion, 2017
Nqobani Mokoena vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui, 2026, tonight*
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand captain): "It was a good start (jokes about winning the toss). There was probably more in it than we thought. South Africa bowled really well. Wickets in the powerplay — it is always tough from there.
(Where did it go wrong?) It is just one of those where if you identify (the conditions) a little bit early, you can do well. But then, 4 wickets in the powerplay and it is never easy from there. Had we scrapped our way to 120-130... it played a few tricks in the second innings too. It is one of those ones which we will reflect on.
(Quick turnaround. How to bounce back?) We pride ourselves on adapting quickly. We did not do that here. Hamilton will be different. We will have to learn on the fly. When you have 5 games, you can start slow, like we did today. But with every game, there is opportunity to understand their plans. They are a quality side.
(About getting assistance off the pitch as a spinner) It was nice to see the ball spin. I would love to see a similar wicket in Hamilton. Hopefully we can have a few more on the board."
(Where did it go wrong?) It is just one of those where if you identify (the conditions) a little bit early, you can do well. But then, 4 wickets in the powerplay and it is never easy from there. Had we scrapped our way to 120-130... it played a few tricks in the second innings too. It is one of those ones which we will reflect on.
(Quick turnaround. How to bounce back?) We pride ourselves on adapting quickly. We did not do that here. Hamilton will be different. We will have to learn on the fly. When you have 5 games, you can start slow, like we did today. But with every game, there is opportunity to understand their plans. They are a quality side.
(About getting assistance off the pitch as a spinner) It was nice to see the ball spin. I would love to see a similar wicket in Hamilton. Hopefully we can have a few more on the board."
Keshav Maharaj (South Africa Captain): "(Thoughts about winning the first T20I) Yeah, I think all the plans paid off. The execution was pretty top-notch from our bowlers. It’s a young bowling lineup, but whatever we asked them to do, they stood up. It was a little bit nervy towards the end, but it showed the maturity in Connor (Esterhuizen) and Dian (Forrester) and the way they played to take us over the line.
(On the performances from the debutants) Very much so. It’s really exciting to see the depth in the system and how the guys fit into international cricket. Yes, it’s their debut, but the way they performed today was superb. As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the debutants, especially contributing with the bat at the end to get us over the line. It’s special, but now it’s back to the drawing board for another assignment on Tuesday.
(On New Zealand and challenges coming up in the next match) Absolutely! We know the world-class side they are, so it's not about getting ahead of ourselves. We will take the positives and be prepared for whatever is thrown at us. Every game is a new opportunity to throw the first punch and be clear with our plans.
(On his 50th T20I) It's not every day you get the opportunity to captain your country, but to do it in your 50th match is special, and the win makes it even more so. I'm very grateful.
(About Santner and getting him out) Definitely! Mitch (Mitchell Santner) is in a phenomenal space as a leader and a player, so it's always nice to contribute by getting the big players out.
(Areas of improvement going forward) I think it's just about taking a little more control with the bat. It was a tricky wicket, so maybe we can focus on absorbing pressure and identifying threats better. Mostly, I just want the group to bring the same intensity and energy to the second game. Hopefully, we can put New Zealand under pressure again."
(On the performances from the debutants) Very much so. It’s really exciting to see the depth in the system and how the guys fit into international cricket. Yes, it’s their debut, but the way they performed today was superb. As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from the debutants, especially contributing with the bat at the end to get us over the line. It’s special, but now it’s back to the drawing board for another assignment on Tuesday.
(On New Zealand and challenges coming up in the next match) Absolutely! We know the world-class side they are, so it's not about getting ahead of ourselves. We will take the positives and be prepared for whatever is thrown at us. Every game is a new opportunity to throw the first punch and be clear with our plans.
(On his 50th T20I) It's not every day you get the opportunity to captain your country, but to do it in your 50th match is special, and the win makes it even more so. I'm very grateful.
(About Santner and getting him out) Definitely! Mitch (Mitchell Santner) is in a phenomenal space as a leader and a player, so it's always nice to contribute by getting the big players out.
(Areas of improvement going forward) I think it's just about taking a little more control with the bat. It was a tricky wicket, so maybe we can focus on absorbing pressure and identifying threats better. Mostly, I just want the group to bring the same intensity and energy to the second game. Hopefully, we can put New Zealand under pressure again."
Contrasting starts to the series for New Zealand's Men's and Women's side. While White Ferns gave their opponents a thrashing, Blackcaps were on the receiving end of one. Both go again on Tuesday in Hamilton.
Of course, Team Crickxo will be there to call the action. Do join us then. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, AkshayaKrishna Polya and Bishal Mandal signing off. Kia ora!
Of course, Team Crickxo will be there to call the action. Do join us then. For now, this is the troika of Darpan Tikiya, AkshayaKrishna Polya and Bishal Mandal signing off. Kia ora!