New Zealand routed South Africa by 7 wickets to lead the series by 1-0
South Africa wrapped for the Kiwis for just 91 in 14.3 overs to chase the target in 16.4 overs
Nqobani Mokoena was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his three wickets
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Proteas Sink Black Caps In Rematch Of The T20 World Cup Semi-Final
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: The Proteas mauled the Kiwis by 7 wickets with 20 balls to spare in the first T20I at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday, March 15, 2026
Summary
South Africa thumped New Zealand by 7 wickets in the first T20I at the serene Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday, March 15, 2026. With this win, the Proteas now lead the five-match series by 1-0.
Both teams last locked horns in the T20 World Cup semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where the Black Caps put an end to Proteas' sensational campaign on the back of an blistering 33-ball ton by Finn Allen only to get thrashed by hosts India in the final by 96 runs.
Though, the significance of this match is very nowhere close to a World Cup final but this win may have provided some respite to the Proteas fans from the hurt of the semi-final loss against the same opponent.
South African made optimum usage of the testing conditions at Mount Maunganui and bundled the Kiwis for a paltry 91 in just 14.3 overs. Nqobani Mokoena was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, who topped the wicket charts with three wickets. He's well complemented by Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman, who scalped two wickets each.
In response, The Proteas chased down the 92-run target set by the Kiwis quite comfortably with 7 wickets in hand and 20 balls to spare to lead the five-match series by 1-0. Connor Esterhuizen stood like a rock to stabilize SA's chase with an unbeaten 45.
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Weather Update
The weather in Tauranga for the NZ vs SA is clear with little to no prediction of rain weather.metoffice.gov.uk
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Toss Update
New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first at Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Playing XIs
South Africa: Connor Esterhuizen(w), Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj(c), Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham(w), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears
New Zealand Vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Streaming Details
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The New Zealand vs South Africa series will be telecast on Sony Sports Network . However, fans can also enjoy the live streaming on the Sony LIV app and website.
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