South Africa beat New Zealand by 33 runs in the fifth T20I in Christchurch on Wednesday to secure a 3-2 series win.
Put in to bat, Connor Esterhuizen hit 75 off 33 balls as the Proteas posted 187-4, before restricting the Black Caps to 154-8.
Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder and Ottneil Baartman all took two wickets for South Africa.
Bevon Jacobs top-scored with 36 for New Zealand, who never threatened to reach their target.
HIGHLIGHTS: New Zealand vs Proteas (5th T20I)
It was Esterhuizen’s second straight half-century of the series. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman made his international debut in the opening match as the Proteas sent an experimental tour squad to New Zealand following the T20 World Cup.
Connor Esterhuizen with another great knock against New Zealand ?#NZvSA #SSCricket pic.twitter.com/eMfHPzGyeI
— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) March 25, 2026
“To come back from 2-1 down against a strong New Zealand side with a young Proteas side is super special,” said captain Keshav Maharaj.
“It speaks to the character within the squad, the depth in our systems and our attitude towards everything.
“There was a real hunger, desire and energy around the field … the way we bounced back is absolutely phenomenal.”
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
