Teenage Mokoena shreds NZ on debut: 1st T20 (Bay Oval)

19-year-old fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena announced himself in style, delivering a standout performance to claim Player of the Match on debut in the T20I series against New Zealand.

South Africa crushed New Zealand in the 1st T20I at Mount Maunganui, winning by 7 wickets in a one-sided contest. New Zealand, after opting to bat, were blown away for just 91 all out (14.5 overs) as the South African pace attack ran through the top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 36/5 and never able to recover.

In reply, South Africa made light work of the chase, reaching 92/3 in 16.4 overs with a composed batting effort that ensured there were no late hiccups. The comfortable victory gave the visitors a 1–0 lead in the series, underlining their dominance with both ball and bat.

South Africa 93 for 3 (Esterhuizen 45*, Santner 1-8) beat New Zealand 91 all out (Neesham 26, Mokoena 3-26, Coetzee 2-14, Baartman 2-22) by seven wickets.

Mar 2026.