Captain Tom Latham called correctly at the toss but chose to bat—a move that proved catastrophic. The Black Caps stumbled to 21/4 and 36/5 inside the powerplay, with Conway and Latham back in the hut cheaply. Only Neesham’s gritty 26 prevented an even lower total, as the side was bowled out for 91 in 14.3 overs. The lower order offered no fight, with most failing to get going.

Proteas’ pace attack was relentless. Nortje’s 3/26 set the tone, supported by Coetzee’s miserly 2/14 and spin duo Baartman and Maharaj’s 2 wickets apiece. Their disciplined bowling turned the match on its head early.

Target in sight at 92, South Africa weathered early blows—de Zorzi out for 2 and Hermann for 7. Esterhuizen then took charge, anchoring the chase with a composed 45* (48 balls, 2×4, 2×6). Forrester’s 16* ensured a smooth sail, reaching 93/3 in 16.3 overs. Smith contributed 10 in the middle order.

Jamieson, Fox, and Santner grabbed a wicket each for the hosts, but South Africa’s clinical approach sealed a morale-boosting win. New Zealand must regroup quickly to avoid a series whitewash.