New Zealand showcased their T20 supremacy by thrashing South Africa by eight wickets in the decisive third T20 match, now leading the series 2-1. At a buzzing Eden Park, the hosts chased down 137 with composure, reaching the target at 137/2 in 16.2 overs.
Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham laid the perfect foundation, piling up 96 runs in 11 overs. Conway fell for a brisk 39 (26 balls, 4×4, 2×6) to Keshav Maharaj, but Latham carried on seamlessly. He linked with Tim Robinson for 40 more runs, though Robinson departed for 17 off 17 balls off Lhuan-dre Pretorius right before the winning run.
Latham’s unbeaten 63 off 55 balls was the anchor, complemented by Nick Kelly’s 1*, sealing an 8-wicket rout. The victory underscores New Zealand’s depth and resilience in limited-overs cricket.
South Africa, batting first after losing the toss, managed only 136/9 in a top-order meltdown. Lower down, No.10 batter E N Mokoeana stole the show with 26 off 20 (3×6, 1×4), while George Linde made 23. New Zealand’s attack was incisive: Kyle Jamieson (2), Mitchell Santner (2), Ben Sears (2), plus Lockie Ferguson (1), Cole McConchie (1), and James Neesham (1). Ferguson’s economical 4-0-9-1 spell clinched him Player of the Match, boosting New Zealand’s confidence for the finale.