South Africa Wins 4th T20I Against New Zealand, Levels Series South Africa secured a thrilling 19-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth T20I of the tour, leveling the five-match series at 2-2. The match, played at Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 22, saw South Africa’s bowlers dominate the final stages, with key wickets and disciplined spin play proving decisive. New Zealand, despite a strong start, struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling short of their target of 165. South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj praised his team’s resilience, calling the win a “perfect response” to two earlier losses. He highlighted the importance of “energy and hunger” in the squad, particularly noting the young players’ growing confidence. “The attitude towards how we came about our business was crucial,” Maharaj said. “We adapted to the conditions without preconceived plans, and the response after three games was superb.” He also acknowledged the impact of key wickets and the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure, even after dropped catches. New Zealand captain Jimmy Neesham admitted his team’s performance was “disappointing,” citing poor execution and overcomplication in their approach. “We bowled extremely well in the previous two games but got carried away with variations,” he said. Neesham emphasized the need for consistency, particularly in the middle overs, and praised the depth of talent in New Zealand cricket. “This series has shown the strength of both sides,” he noted, adding that opportunities for young players like Katene Clarke would be vital for future success. Connor Esterhuizen, named Player of the Match, credited his team’s focus and simplicity in batting. “I just tried to stick to a gameplan and it came off,” he said.#south_africa #keshav_maharaj #connor_esterhuizen #jimmy_neesham #new_zimbabwe
