Esterhuizen blast enables Proteas to win series over sloppy NZ: 5th T20 (Christchurch)

Connor Esterhuizen delivered a batting masterclass, smashing a career-best 75 off just 33 balls to steer South Africa to a decisive 33-run victory over New Zealand in the series-deciding 5th T20I.

His blistering knock, following a composed 57 in the previous match, powered the Proteas to a commanding total of 187/4 after being asked to bat first. NZ's fielding was uncharacteristically poor, dropping several key chances.

New Zealand made a promising start in reply, but momentum slipped away as wickets tumbled through the middle overs. Despite glimpses of resistance, the hosts couldn’t keep up with the steep chase and finished on 154/8.

South Africa’s bowlers tightened the screws at crucial moments, sealing both the match and a well-earned 3–2 series triumph.

South Africa 187 for 4 (Esterhuizen 75, Hermann 39, Sears 2-37) beat New Zealand 154 for 8 (Jacobs 26, Coetzee 2-21, Mulder 2-28, Baartman 2-33) by 33 runs.

March 2026.