New Zealand vs South Africa 1st T20I Highlights: SA Clinch Huge Win After NZ Get Bundled Out For 91

Welcome back for South Africa's reply. Mitchell Santner and his men walk out to the middle. Kass Naidoo informs that Jordan Hermann will bat only if needed. In case you missed it, he pulled his hamstring in the field. Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen are the two openers for the Proteas. Kyle Jamieson will steam in first up. Tony is on strike. Let's go...

... The Run Chase ...

Clinical Proteas on the charge - It was a masterclass in disciplined bowling from South Africa. Mokena spearheaded the destruction with a superb three-wicket haul, while the rest of the attack, barring Dian Forrester, chipped in with two wickets each. Despite an injury concern for Jordan Hermann, the Proteas enter the break with all the momentum. Chasing a meagre target of 92, the South African batting unit should breathe easy as they look to go 1-0 up in the series.

A quick word - South African pacer, Gerald Coetzee believes that they bowled well in partnerships and that every bowler played his part. Showers praise on Nqobani Mokoena, saying that he is a calm, cool and collected guy, and it is as if he has already played 50 games. Mentions that this is an important series for them. Further adds that they are not here to prove anything and just want to enjoy this opportunity as a group.

Neesham’s lone hand - In a batting performance defined by poor shot selection and a lack of application, James Neesham emerged as the top scorer. His gritty knock in the 20s was the only reason the total approached the 100-run mark. While he tried to anchor the backend of the innings, he lacked any meaningful support from the other end as wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.

No respite for the Kiwis - The nightmare didn't end when the field restrictions were lifted. South Africa refused to take their foot off the gas, consistently hitting tight lines and disciplined areas. The scorecard tells a grim story of New Zealand’s struggles, with the team eventually bundled out for just 91 in under 15 overs. Only four batters managed to reach double figures, and a solitary partnership crossing the 25-run mark highlights a complete lack of resistance.

Disaster in the powerplay - The toss appears to be the only win of the day for New Zealand. From the very first over, the Kiwis were pinned to the wall, unable to find any rhythm against a clinical South African attack. The Powerplay was a total collapse as, instead of setting a platform, New Zealand limped to 36 for 5 within the first six overs. The relentless pressure from the Proteas’ pace battery gave the top order no breathing space, virtually ending the contest before it truly began in the first innings itself as New Zealand got bowled out for just 91.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! All over for New Zealand. The Kiwis have been rolled over for 91. Nqobani Mokoena bends his back and digs it in short, over middle. Cole McConchie premeditates as he gives the bowler the charge. He fails to get on top of the bounce and the ball catches the upper half of the blade. It is spooned towards long on, where Rubin Hermann runs across to his right and takes the catch around his thigh. Mokoena finishes with a three-wicket haul on debut.

Wide! Dug in short but this sails over the batter's head. Wide given for height.

Serves the slower ball and keeps it away from the batter's arc. On a length, near the tramline, Cole swings but fails to connect.

FOUR! Thrashed! Into the surface, over middle. Cole McConchie jumps out of the crease and stays leg side of the ball. Slams it uppishly but away from the cover fielder to his right for a boundary.

OUT! TIMBER! Keshav Maharaj strikes on the last ball of his spell. Bowled with a flatter trajectory and this is fuller, in line with the off stump. Kyle Jamieson goes back to a ball he was better off playing off the front foot. The ball keeps coming in with the arm and sneaks under the blade before crashing into the off stump. Ben Sears is the last man in.

A bit fuller now, on middle. Jamieson turns it to mid-wicket from the crease.

Darted in, on the shorter side, on middle. Kyle nudges it to mid-wicket.

This is dropped short, on off, Jamieson punches it off the back foot and it goes straight to Tony de Zorzi at cover. Tony fails to get low enough and the ball goes through his legs. Two runs taken.

Sliding into the pads, full in length. Kyle Jamieson clips it to mid-wicket.

Hands on head for Maharaj! Pushed through from around the wicket, on a length at the stumps. Cole McConchie hops back to punch it away. The ball goes off an outside edge to short third for a single.

Another one bites the dust. Kyle Jamieson walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The combination of Connor and Nqobani strikes again as NZ lose their 8th wicket now. Short and close to the off-stump, Zakary Foulkes hops up on his toes and looks to guide this away to the third man region, but manages only an outside edge into the hands of the South African keeper.

Hard length, around off, Cole McConchie punches this through the covers region for a rotation of strike.