17|03|04

The Proteas suffered their first defeat of the tour against New Zealand, losing by 68 runs.<./p>

Asked to bat first, the Black Caps survived the powerplay without losing a wicket. Keshav Maharaj then dismissed Tom Latham for 11 shortly after the powerplay. George Linde followed up by removing Tim Robinson soon after, leaving New Zealand at 55 for 2.

Nick Kelly and Devon Conway rebuilt the innings with a 37-run partnership for the third wicket. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner contributed a respectable 20 from 14 balls, and Conway reached 60 before falling shortly after Santner, with the score 4 runs later. Late cameos from Cole McConchie (18) and Josh Clarkson (26) pushed the Black Caps to a competitive total of 175 for 5.

Wiaan Mulder took 2 wickets, and the other bowlers each took 1, with the exception of Nqobani Mokoena. Despite not taking a wicket, Mokoena was the most economical bowler, conceding just 22 runs in his 4 overs. However, the two spinners proved expensive, costing South Africa 78 runs from 36 balls.

In response, South Africa were bowled out for 107 in 15.3 overs. Linde was the only batter to offer significant resistance, scoring 33 from 12 balls. Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears spearheaded the bowling attack, taking 3 wickets each.