South Africa’s spinners played a decisive role as the tourists won the fourth Twenty20 International against New Zealand by 19 runs on Sunday to level the five-match series 2-2.
New Zealand were well placed to clinch the series midway through their chase in Wellington after the Proteas posted 164-5.
However, from 88-3 after 10 overs, they lost wickets in quick succession and were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
The result sends the series, played between weakened sides from both countries, into a decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.
The match swung in South Africa’s favour when spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen tightened the screws during the middle overs of the chase.
Captain Maharaj, the most experienced member of an experimental tour squad, proved difficult to score off and returned figures of 2-22 in four overs.
Subrayen, playing his first T20 International, dismissed Dane Cleaver for 26 to trigger New Zealand’s middle-order collapse and finished with 2-13 in three overs.
Maharaj said his side showed greater energy compared to their defeats in Hamilton and Auckland.
“It was a perfect response to two disappointing losses in a row,” he said.
“Coming into this game, you could see there was a little bit more energy and hunger.
“We are a young team, finding our way in international cricket so it takes a little bit of time.”
Opener Tim Robinson top-scored with 32 for New Zealand, while Proteas paceman Gerald Coetzee claimed 3-31.
South Africa’s innings was anchored by a 57 off 36 balls from wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen.
He was dismissed by a spectacular outfield catch from Katene Clarke, who was on his international debut, off Ben Sears’ bowling.
Paceman Sears also impressed, taking 1-22 in four overs, including conceding just two runs in the final over of the innings.
