South Africa seal 7-wicket win after restricting Kiwis to 91

South Africa made a strong start to the series by defeating hosts New Zealand by seven wickets in the first T20I in Mount Maunganui. Chasing a small target, the Proteas secured the win comfortably without taking many risks.

Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand came under pressure from the very beginning. Facing disciplined bowling from the South African attack, the Kiwi batters failed to build any significant partnerships. Four batters were dismissed for single-digit scores with just 21 runs on the board.

There was little resistance from the middle order as well. Captain Mitchell Santner scored 15 runs, while James Neesham was the top scorer for the team with 26. Losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 91 in 14.3 overs.

For South Africa, Nqabayomzi Mokeyna delivered an impressive performance with the ball, taking three wickets. Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj and Ottneil Baartman picked up two wickets each.

Chasing a modest target of 92, South Africa started cautiously. Opener Tony de Zorzi was dismissed for 2 runs, while the other opener Connor Esterhuizen scored 45.

Jason Smith added 10 runs and Dian Forrester contributed 16 as the Proteas comfortably reached the target in just 16.4 overs.

With this victory, South Africa took a 1–0 lead in the series.