HIGHLIGHTS New Zealand vs South Africa, South Africa in New Zealand 5 T20I Series 2026, 3rd T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for New Zealand's reply. Keshav Maharaj and his men make their way out to the centre. Devon Conway and Tom Latham will open the innings for the home side. Gerald Coetzee has been tossed the new ball. Conway to face the first ball. A slip in place. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Can New Zealand take the lead? New Zealand are in the driver's seat as we reach the halfway mark in the game. They have much more experience in their batting line-up as compared to the Proteas bowling group. South Africa need a couple of wickets inside the Powerplay. Can they do it? Stay tuned to find out as the chase is up next...

A quick chat with the Kiwi speedster - Lockie Ferguson says that it is a challenging surface for the batters and bowlers get some extra bounce, so he likes to play here. He adds that they play in different conditions, and they try to adjust to the conditions. He mentions that there is a bit in the wicket for the bowlers and ends by saying that their batters will have to work hard.

South Africa's rescue job! George Linde and Gerald Coetzee briefly sparked a recovery, staging a gritty 34-run rescue act in just 19 deliveries, but the hopes of a competitive total were extinguished by a clinical double-wicket over from Kyle Jamieson. New Zealand’s bowling unit remained relentless from start to finish, with Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson setting a hostile tone with the new ball while Mitchell Santner maintained the pressure by striking in his very first over. It was a complete team performance barring that final over, evidenced by the fact that every one of the six bowlers used finished the innings with at least one wicket to their name.

The conditions suited the Kiwi bowlers! Sent into bat under challenging conditions, South Africa struggled to adapt to a pitch that offered significant assistance to the New Zealand seamers. The Kiwis exploited the surface effectively, relentlessly hitting a hard length and using the straight, shorter boundaries to squeeze the Proteas' batters. Rather than showing tactical restraint, South Africa attempted to force their shots, leading to a disastrous collapse. They slumped to four wickets down within the Powerplay and were reeling at 62 for 6 by the halfway mark.

South Africa end well - A decent recovery from South Africa, but the total does not seem daunting enough. However, Nqobani Mokoena's innings has given the Proteas something to bowl at, but as things stand, the Kiwis have used the home conditions brilliantly and are front-runners to win the match.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, SIX! An ideal finish to the innings for South Africa. Kyle Jamieson bowls the leg-cutter into the surface, over middle. Nqobani Mokoena makes room and gets his hands high to nail the pull over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 10 runs off the final over. South Africa end up with 136.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, FOUR! Nqobani Mokoena finally gets one away. Jamieson fails to get the yorker in. This is on a length, following the batter. Mokoena swings for the hills. Gets a thickish inside edge and the ball goes to the left of short fine leg for a four.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, Great stuff! Angles in a yorker, at the toes. Nqobani Mokoena gets the front leg out of the way and swings across the line as one hand comes off the bat handle. He misses and the ball goes through his legs before going to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, An opportunity missed! Jamieson varies his length as he bends his back and digs it in short, over middle. Nqobani Mokoena goes hard on the pull but misses. There was a noise as the ball went past the bat, but no one from the Kiwi camp showed any interest. Well, well, the UltraEdge shows a spike, confirming the edge.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, Gets the yorker in, this tails back in at the toes. Mokoena drops his bat down but the ball sneaks past the inside edge and goes through his legs on the way to the keeper.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, Leg-cutter, on a short of a length, on middle. Nqobani flicks it off the hips to deep square leg but does not take the single.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, Pace on now, fuller as well, on off. Nqobani Mokoena slices it to deep point and keeps the strike with a single.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, SIX! That has gone back many a mile! Sears bangs the off-cutter into the surface, outside off. Nqobani Mokoena gets the width to work with. He frees his arms and slaps it over extra cover for a biggie.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, Nails the yorker, right at the base of the off stump. Nqobani Mokoena digs it out.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, Leg-cutter, on a length, outside off, Nqobani Mokoena swings for the hills but does not pick the change of pace and misses.

Ben Sears to Lutho Sipamla, A big mix-up but they get away with it! On a good length, on off. Lutho Sipamla swings to launch it down the ground but slices it in front of mid off. Nqobani Mokoena sets off for the run before being sent back by his partner. Mitchell Santner gets to the ball quickly by moving to his left and fires in a throw at the bowling end but misses with Mokoena nowhere in the frame. The batters eventually cross over as the ball goes towards square leg.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, Full and outside off. Nqobani Mokoena smears it in front of square on the leg side and gets to the other end.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, Leg bye! Strays on the pads, on a good length, Mokoena fails to get it away on the glance. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes behind square leg. Ferguson ends with impressive figures of 4-0-9-1.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, A big swing and a miss! On a back of a length, over the top of off. Nqobani Mokoena clears the front leg and has a heave across the line but connects with thin air.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, A sharp and quick bumper, over middle. Nqobani Mokoena ducks under it. Tom Latham gathers it with a leap.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, Takes pace off and this is on a length, around off. Mokoena guides it to backward point with an open bat face.

Lockie Ferguson to Lutho Sipamla, Brings the stumps into play and the length stays full. Sipamla turns it through square leg for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Lutho Sipamla, Full and skidding through, just outside the off stump. Lutho Sipamla pushes out in front of his body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Ben Sears to Lutho Sipamla, On a shortish length, on off, Lutho Sipamla rises with the bounce and angles it to backward point, where a fumble allows a single to be taken.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, Very full, around the off stump, this is sliced to deep point for a single.

Ben Sears to Nqobani Mokoena, On a good length, in the channel, Nqobani Mokoena fiddles and is beaten on the outside edge.

Ben Sears to Lutho Sipamla, Sipamla was gone had the throw hit! Sears bashes the hard length, angled in, on middle and leg. Lutho gets on his toes to fend it down but miscues it off a leading edge towards cover. The batter stutters before going through for the single. Tim Robinson charges at the ball to his left and has a shy at the bowling end but misses.

South Africa are down to their last wicket now. Lutho Sipamla is the last man in.

Ben Sears to Keshav Maharaj, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Full and straight at the sticks. Cross-seam delivery, skidding through. Keshav Maharaj gives himself room and charges down the track. He swings but is well beaten on the outside edge. The ball goes on to clatter into the off pole.

Ben Sears to Keshav Maharaj, Does not carry! Sears starts with the slower ball, on a length, around off. Keshav Maharaj gets low for the scoop but does not get any pace to work with. It is spooned to short fine leg, where the fielder dives in front but the ball drops short.

Lockie Ferguson to Keshav Maharaj, Touch fuller, slanting on middle. Keshav Maharaj works it through mid on for a single to end the over.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, A slower length delivery, outside off. Nqobani Mokoena drops it to the right of point for a quick single. The fielder picks up and shoots at the bowler's end but misses. A single.

Lockie Ferguson to Nqobani Mokoena, A proper bouncer, outside off, gets big on the batter. Nqobani Mokoena tries to pull it away but misses.

Lockie Ferguson to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length and just around off. Keshav strokes it through covers for a single.

Lockie Ferguson to Keshav Maharaj, That could have gone anywhere. A skiddy length delivery on middle, bounces a bit. Keshav Maharaj tries to swipe it near his waist but gets a leading edge. It bounces well in front of Lockie.

Lockie Ferguson to Keshav Maharaj, Lockie Ferguson pushes it full and outside off. Keshav Maharaj looks to drive it away but misses.

Kyle Jamieson to Nqobani Mokoena, SIX! Oh, wow! That's out of nowhere. Back of a length, around off, lands in the hitting zone. Nqobani Mokoena uses the angle and heaves it over square leg for a six.

Two wickets in the over for Kyle Jamieson. Nqobani Mokoena is the new batter.

Kyle Jamieson to Gerald Coetzee, OUT! GONE! Wonderful from Latham once again. A scrambled seam delivery, into the surface and on off. Coetzee tries to guide it away, but the ball gets too close towards his body. He edges it in front of the keeper, Tom Latham, who dives forward and to his right to gobble it up. New Zealand back on top with this over.

Kyle Jamieson to Keshav Maharaj, On a good length and angling around off. Keshav Maharaj uses the pace and rides it to third man for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Keshav Maharaj, Back of a length and on top of off. Keshav Maharaj taps it to point.

New Zealand hit back just as the runs were beginning to flow. The skipper of South Africa, Keshav Maharaj comes out to bat.

Kyle Jamieson to George Linde, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Oh, just when South Africa were getting a bit of momentum into their innings, they lose a wicket. Kyle Jamieson bowls across a hard-length delivery, probably the slower ball as it comes late towards the batter, too wide. Linde goes back to cut but outside edges it to the left of the keeper. Tom Latham takes an excellent catch diving across. A good hand by George Linde, though.

Kyle Jamieson to George Linde, FOUR! Runs are coming thick and fast. Kyle Jamieson bowls it slightly short, around off. Linde pulls near his eyeline but gets a top edge, well over Ben Sears at short fine leg for a boundary. 100 is up for South Africa.

Kyle Jamieson is back. 2-0-21-0 so far for Jamieson.

James Neesham to Gerald Coetzee, FOUR! Excellent shot. Touch fuller, around off. Coetzee comes down the track and hammers it over extra cover, in the vacant area for a boundary. 11 runs off the over. 23 runs off the last two.

James Neesham to Gerald Coetzee, Bangs it short, over the batter. Coetzee ducks under it.

James Neesham to George Linde, A length delivery at 108 clicks, around off. Linde stays back and inside edges his flick to the leg side for a run.

James Neesham to George Linde, FOUR! Streaky but it all counts. James Neesham bowls into the surface, touch short and around off. Linde gets caught on the back foot as he tries to cut. Gets a thick outside edge which flies to the third man fence.

James Neesham to George Linde, A half-volley, around off, it was there to be hit. Linde drives well but straight to the man at mid off.

James Neesham to George Linde, Hard length delivery, angling in around off. Linde carves it away to deep point for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Santner to George Linde, 12 runs off the over. Just what South Africa needed at this point. Santner surprises with a yorker-length delivery, drifting on leg. Linde falls over as he squeezes it out to long on. A single.

Mitchell Santner to George Linde, Angles a length ball across the batter, outside off. Linde punches it to cover.

Mitchell Santner to Gerald Coetzee, Touch too full and around off. Coetzee drives it down to long off for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Gerald Coetzee, FLAT SIX! Superb shot from Coetzee! Not that short, this is around off. Coetzee clears his front leg and slaps it over long on and it goes over the fence.

Mitchell Santner to Gerald Coetzee, FOUR! Well played! The arm ball, fuller and landing on middle. Coetzee reverse laps it well past Kyle Jamieson at short third man for a boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Gerald Coetzee, Dot! Tossed up, outside off and slower in the air. Coetzee leaves it alone.

James Neesham to George Linde, SIX! Valiant effort from the fielder, though! Hard length, outside off, George Linde tries to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies towards third man. Ben Sears runs to his right and leaps to take the catch but ends up parrying it over the fence.

James Neesham to George Linde, Beaten for the third time now. Short and wide, George Linde swings hard but misses again.

James Neesham to George Linde, Nagging length, outside off, George Linde has a fiddle but misses again.

James Neesham to George Linde, Beaten! A touch fuller, just outside off, George Linde looks to play at it but gets beaten.

James Neesham to Gerald Coetzee, Just short! Back of a length, outside off, Gerald Coetzee looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies towards third man, where Kyle Jamieson runs in but loses the ball for a moment in the lights and ends up collecting the ball on the bounce. The batters collect a single.

The 22-run stand has been broken. Gerald Coetzee makes his way out to the centre.

James Neesham to Dian Forrester, OUT! TAKEN! Wicket number six falls, and James Neesham strikes on his return to the attack. Hard length, outside off, Dian Forrester stays in his crease and goes hard at it. The ball goes quickly towards Tim Robinson at backward point, who leaps and takes a sharp catch to his left. South Africa are 68/6 after 11.1 overs.

Ben Sears to Dian Forrester, Back of a length, on leg, Dian Forrester tugs it to square leg for a run.

Ben Sears to Dian Forrester, Slower one, outside off, Dian Forrester has a fiddle but gets beaten due to the lack of pace.

Ben Sears to George Linde, Length, outside off, George Linde eases it to backward point. The misfield allows the batters to collect a single.

Ben Sears to Dian Forrester, Good length, outside off, Dian Forrester guides it to third man. The fielder makes a good stop to his left near the fence. Keeps it to a single.

Ben Sears to Dian Forrester, A slower bouncer, Dian Forrester tugs it wide of mid on for a brace. Good running between the wickets.

Ben Sears to George Linde, A touch fuller, just outside off, George Linde drives it to cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Halfway through, New Zealand find themselves in the ascendancy. First, the pacers troubled the batters with pace and bounce, and now the spinners have found grip and turn when bowling slower through the air. Can South Africa turn it around in the second half with contributions from the lower order and push towards a competitive total, or will New Zealand tighten their grip further? Ben Sears (1-0-9-1) to bowl after the break.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, SIX! That's a wonderful shot! Short ball, just outside off, Dian Forrester goes deep in his crease and flat bats it down the ground for a biggie. South Africa are 62/5 at the halfway stage of the first innings.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Short and wide, Dian Forrester slaps it to the point fielder.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, FOUR! That will ease some pressure. Full, on middle, Dian Forrester stays in his crease and drills it powerfully down the ground for a boundary.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Wide! Width, way outside off, Dian Forrester leaves. Wided.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Nice and full, outside off, Dian Forrester drives it to the cover fielder. Another dot ball.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Flatter, on off, Dian Forrester taps it to the point fielder.

Cole McConchie to George Linde, Quicker, shorter, and outside off. George Linde slaps it through mid off for a single.

James Neesham to George Linde, Slightly shorter, on off, George Linde pushes it to short cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Fifty comes up for South Africa.

James Neesham to George Linde, Hard length, just outside off, George Linde pushes it to the mid off fielder.

James Neesham to Dian Forrester, Just short! A touch fuller, outside off, Dian Forrester swings hard but gets an outside edge. The ball goes on the bounce towards the fielder at third man. They cross.

James Neesham to George Linde, Back of a length again, outside off, George Linde tries to slap it but edges it to third man for a single.

James Neesham to George Linde, Slightly shorter, just outside off, George Linde punches it to the fielder at backward point.

James Neesham to Dian Forrester, Hard length, on middle and leg, Dian Forrester knocks it down the ground to long on for a single.

In walks George Linde at number 7. A change in bowling as James Neesham has been introduced into the attack.

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Another one departs, and South Africa are in massive trouble now. Short ball, outside off, and it turns away. Rubin Hermann reaches out to it and looks to slap it, but gets a bottom edge as the ball rattles over the stumps. South Africa are five down now for just 46 runs.

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, Short and wide, Rubin Hermann slaps it straight towards the cover fielder.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Fired in, on off, Dian Forrester guides it through cover for a single.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Quicker, on middle, Dian Forrester looks to push it but miscues it back towards the bowler.

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Turn and bounce, on middle, Dian Forrester blocks it to mid on.

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, Nice and full, on middle, Rubin Hermann flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

The new batter is Dian Forrester with South Africa in all sorts of trouble. It will be spin from both ends as Cole McConchie comes on.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, OUT! TAKEN! That's a soft dismissal. Short ball, outside off, with a hint of turn. Jason Smith misjudges it completely. He tries to slap it but the ball stops and spins away to catch the outer half. The ball lobs in the air towards backward point where Devon Conway makes no mistake. South Africa are 44/4 after 7 overs.

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Brilliant over so far. Quicker, on leg, Rubin Hermann nudges it through square leg for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Keeps it bowling short, outside off. Rubin Hermann tries to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball bounces towards the keeper. Dot.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Flatter, just outside off, Jason Smith slaps it towards deep cover for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Quicker, shorter, and on middle. Rubin Hermann pulls it over mid-wicket for a run.

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Just short! Short, on middle, Rubin Hermann tucks it on the bounce towards the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Ben Sears to Jason Smith, Good length, just outside off, Jason Smith looks to guide it but miscues it on the bounce towards the fielder at short third. Dot to end the over. At the end of 6 overs, South Africa are 41/3.

Ben Sears to Jason Smith, FOUR! Streaky but they will take it! Hard length, outside off, Jason Smith stays in his crease and swings hard. Gets an outside edge as the ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Ben Sears to Rubin Hermann, Hard length, on the pads, Rubin Hermann clips it to backward square leg for a single.

Three down inside the Powerplay. South Africa are under a bit of pressure here. Rubin Hermann is the next batter in.

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Sears gets a wicket in his first over. Back of a length, outside off, Tony de Zorzi moves to his left and looks to ramp it over short fine. The ball gets big on him, and it is skied off the gloves towards short third. Lockie Ferguson runs over his right shoulder and takes a safe catch.

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, FOUR! That's a lovely shot from Tony de Zorzi! Ben Sears bowls it full and down leg, Tony de Zorzi moves to his right and chips it magnificently over cover for a boundary.

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, Oh! A touch fuller, around leg, Tony de Zorzi looks to flick it but is beaten for pace on the inside edge.

Spin from both ends? Nope, it's Ben Sears from the other end.

Mitchell Santner to Tony de Zorzi, Quicker, on the pads, Tony de Zorzi rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a quick single.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Short again, just outside off, Jason Smith punches it through covers for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, FOUR! Lovely shot! Tossed up by Mitchell Santner, just outside off, Jason Smith steps out and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Speared in, full and on middle. Jason Smith blocks it off.

South Africa lose their second wicket inside the Powerplay. Jason Smith replaces Connor Esterhuizen.

Mitchell Santner to Connor Esterhuizen, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Santner makes an impact straightaway. Short ball again, on off, and it gets an extra bounce off the deck. Connor Esterhuizen hangs back and looks to loft it, but gets a top edge. The ball carries towards the vacant mid off region. Nick Kelly moves to his left from mid on and takes a good catch. South Africa are 26/2 after 4.2 overs.

Mitchell Santner to Connor Esterhuizen, Mitchell Santner starts with a dot. Flatter, shorter, and on middle. Connor Esterhuizen blocks it back to the right of the bowler.

Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack.

Lockie Ferguson to Connor Esterhuizen, Lands it on a hard length, over middle. Connor Esterhuizen is hurried and fends it down beside the strip on the leg side before crossing over.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Tony frees his arms and hits it along the ground through covers. Devon Conway gives it a good chase and slides to flick the ball away from the fence. Cole McConchie converges and mops it up. Three runs taken.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Make that four dots! Lockie Ferguson digs it in short, over off, Tony de Zorzi lets it be.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Three dots in a row. Frustration building for Tony de Zorzi. Lockie Ferguson switches to around the wicket and slips in a full ball, outside off, Tony walks across the stumps for the scoop but the ball is too full for the shot and he fails to connect.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Pace off now, full in length at the sticks. Tony skips out of the crease and drills it hard but picks out the mid off fielder.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, On a hard length, skidding through, on middle. Tony de Zorzi is rushed on the pull and miscues it towards cover.

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, FOUR MORE! 15 runs off the over. Kyle Jamieson ends up being a bit too full. Dishes out a half-volley, on off. Esterhuizen does not try to overhit this one and just eases the drive to the right of mid off for another boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, FOUR! Nicely done! This is on the fuller side, on middle. Connor presents the full face of the blade and plays the lofted drive with a high elbow. Gets it over wide mid on and picks up a four.

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, SIX! Nowhere close to where Connor Esterhuizen intended but he will take it! Slanting into the right-hander, on a back of a length, at the hips. Esterhuizen looks to pick it up on the leg side but the ball catches the leading edge and sails over the deep third fence for a six.

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, Beaten! Angled in and then nipping away off the deck, in the channel. Connor Esterhuizen has a poke at it and is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Banged in short again, on middle. Tony hangs back this time and swivels to pull it behind square leg. Devon Conway gets around to his right in the deep and keeps the batters to a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Jamieson digs it in short, over middle. Tony de Zorzi gives the bowler the charge and has a swing at it but connects with thin air.

Lockie Ferguson to Connor Esterhuizen, DROPPED! James Neesham puts it down. Nearly two in two for Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson keeps it full, outside off, Connor Esterhuizen presses forward and goes for the drive. The ball takes the outside edge and flies quickly to first slip. Neesham moves to his left and gets low. The ball hits his palm before popping out and dropping to the ground.

Wiaan Mulder struggles on top of the order once again. Connor Esterhuizen walks in at number 3.

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, OUT! CAUGHT! Lockie Ferguson lands the first blow. A sharp catch by Cole McConchie. Pitched up, outside off. The width is there for Mulder to cash in and he cracks the drive, but neither does he get the elevation, nor is it wide enough to beat the catching cover fielder. McConchie reacts quickly and takes the catch to his left around his shoulder.

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, Just short! Into the surface, over middle. Mulder takes a couple of steps down the track to slam it down the ground. The ball gets big on him and it drops just short of the diving mid on fielder.

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, Full and outside off, Wiaan Mulder extends his hands but mistimes the drive to cover.

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, Very full, sneaking inside the tramline. Mulder jumps out of the crease and throws his hands at it but misses.

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Risky single! Full and on off. Tony de Zorzi pushes out in front of his body and taps it towards mid off. Mitchell Santner swoops in and gathers it with one hand before releasing an underarm throw at the bowling end. He misses and the replays show that Tony would have been out had the throw hit, as his bat got stuck in the turf.

It's the pace of Lockie Ferguson from the other end.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Nearly sneaked through! A searing yorker at the toes which tails back in late. Tony de Zorzi hurriedly gets his bat down and squeezes out an inside edge towards square leg for a run.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, On a hard length, landing outside the line of the leg stump and then moving towards middle. Tony de Zorzi gets on his toes to nudge it away but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, A swing and a miss! This slides across the batter, fuller in length. De Zorzi has a hack across the line and is beaten on the outside edge.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Drags the length back, does Kyle Jamieson, on middle and leg. Tony de Zorzi hangs back to defend.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, FOUR! Agricultural, but it gets the job done for Tony de Zorzi. Another ball that comes back into the left-hander, on a length, at the sticks. Tony clears the front leg and has a swing across the line. Gets it off the inner half of the bat and to the right of the man at deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Wide! South Africa are underway with this extra. Swinging down the leg side, on a good length. Tony de Zorzi misses out on the tickle.

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Good inward shape from Jamieson but it is too straight, on a length, around leg. Tony attempts the glance but fails to lay any bat on it. The ball brushes the pads before the keeper, Tom Latham grabs it with a dive to his right.

All set for action. Mitchell Santner leads his team out in the middle. They are in a huddle before they disperse to their respective position. Tony de Zorzi gets the opening slot along with Wiaan Mulder. Kyle Jamieson to steam in first. A slip in place. Let's play...

Time to hear from the Proteas camp - Wiaan Mulder shares that the team reflected on the previous defeat and admits that New Zealand were better in terms of execution. On opening the batting, he says it's a new challenge but one he enjoys, adding that it suits his game. Acknowledges that while there are players who can go hard from the start, it's about finding his own way at the top of the order.

A quick word - New Zealand's Devon Conway says it was a gritty last innings as the wicket wasn't easy at all, but he accepted the conditions and adjusted accordingly. He adds that Gerald Coetzee has troubled him so far in this series, coming over the wicket, but he is not trying to fight back, but play through the line. Shares that the straight boundaries are pretty short, so the bowlers might bowl a bit short, and as a batter, they'll try to play more square of the wicket.

South Africa's captain - Keshav Maharaj says that the straight boundaries are small and believes that batting first will help them understand the right lengths to bowl. He adds that they want to bounce back from the last game and ends by saying the boys are up for the challenge.

The captain of New Zealand - Mitchell Santner says it looks like a good wicket with a bit of grass on it. Adds that with the traditional bounce on offer, he expects there to be some assistance for the seamers early on. Praises the seamers for the way they bowled in Hamilton.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen (WK), Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (C), Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla (In for Ottneil Baartman).

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Tom Latham (WK), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs (In for Josh Clarkson), Mitchell Santner (C), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Mitchell Santner. New Zealand opt to BOWL first.

White Ferns edge ahead - In case you weren't aware, the Proteas Women are also touring New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, with all games being played as a precursor to the men's matches at the same venue. With the series level at 1-1 heading into the third game, Sophie Devine's all-round heroics powered the hosts to victory. South Africa managed 149, which New Zealand chased down with 8 balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead.

Who will win? Will the Kiwis use their home advantage and star power to take control, or will the Proteas shake off their previous loss and pull off a thrilling comeback? We shall find out soon. Toss and team news in a bit...

South Africa will look to bounce back! On the other side, a determined South African squad will be eager to bounce back and prove their resilience, even after losing Jordan Hermann to a hamstring injury.

The Kiwis have momentum on their side - The Black Caps enter this game riding a massive wave of momentum after a commanding 68-run victory in Hamilton. A brilliant half-century from Devon Conway and some late heroics from Josh Clarkson powered New Zealand to a solid total, before fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears ruthlessly dismantled the South African batting lineup.

Welcome to Auckland! Welcome, cricket fans, to the third T20I between New Zealand and South Africa from the iconic Eden Park in Auckland! With this five-match series perfectly balanced at 1-1, tonight's showdown promises fireworks as both teams look to seize the crucial series lead.

... MATCH DAY ...

Assignment number 3 at Tamaki Makaurau- From Hamilton to Auckland, it’s a journey that lasts just a couple of hours, but one that tells its own story. Rolling through the beautiful countryside, along with the ever-flowing Waikato River, and finally into the towering skyline of the City of Sails, it’s a transition as smooth and layered. And much like that journey, this five-match series between New Zealand and South Africa has unfolded in phases of its own, now perfectly poised at 1-1 heading into the third T20I at the very famous Eden Park. Series recap - If New Zealand were bundled out for 91 in the series opener, it was South Africa who returned the favour in style, getting humbled in the very next game with a 68-run defeat. It’s been that kind of series so far. The one where both teams have taken turns landing a punch, but also exposing a few cracks of their own. One day it’s the batting that misfires, the next it’s the bowling that loses its grip. Which is what makes this third T20I so interesting. Because in a series that’s already swung both ways, the team that fixes its flaws quicker might just be the one that takes control of the story from here. Back with momentum? Ummm… yes and no both. New Zealand were quick to make the course correction at Seddon Park, especially with the bat. It was not a wham-bam-slam by any means, but it did not have to be. The signs of improvement were clearly there. From Devon Conway returning to form to those crucial contributions from the middle and lower order, these small fixes indicate positivity, but in all honesty, they are not there yet. Conway navigated the challenging new ball spells of Gerald Coetzee, who bowled from around the wicket to create awkward angles, and focused on building partnerships. This innings was also a significant personal milestone, as Conway crossed the 6000-run mark in international cricket. The captaincy transition - Mitchell Santner has quietly been doing what he does best, leading without the noise and delivering with the ball like it’s second nature. After guiding the side through the World Cup and the first three games of this series, he is set to head off to the IPL post the Auckland clash, but not before one more dance at a venue he clearly enjoys. 15 T20I wickets at Eden Park, the most in the current Kiwi squad, tells its own story.  Tom Latham is slated to take over the captaincy for the final two matches in Wellington and Christchurch. Latham's return to the T20I lineup has been a point of discussion among analysts. Having featured in only two matches in the format since April 2023, he is clearly in search of rhythm. Latham's contributions in the first two games were modest, and for a player of his experience, the primary challenge is not a lack of ability but a lack of time in the middle. His presence is intended to provide a veteran presence in a batting order that includes several developing players like Nick Kelly and Tim Robinson, who have been quite impressive in the national colors as well. The emergence of the pace battery - Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson have asserted themselves as leaders of the attack. Sears, who was a traveling reserve during the World Cup, has been quite a revelation. His 3/14 in Hamilton demonstrated an ability to strike early and maintain pressure. Lockie Ferguson’s return for the second and third matches has added a dimension of high velocity that South Africa’s younger batters struggled to handle.  The new-look Proteas - With many frontline stars rested for the IPL, head coach Shukri Conrad has used this series to blood new talent. The squad includes several uncapped players, a decision aimed at building depth in the South African system. Despite the travel woes, the Proteas have unearthed some serious gems in this series. Connor Esterhuizen has looked like a veteran in a rookie’s jersey, anchoring the first-match chase with a calm, unbeaten 45. Then there is the 19-year-old sensation Nqobani Mokoena. After a breakout SA20 season with the Paarl Royals, where he took 13 wickets, he made a massive statement with 3/26 on debut in Tauranga. Surrounded by quicker, more established names like Baartman and Coetzee, this is exactly the kind of series where a young bowler quietly learns the craft while still making an impact. Tactical resets and injury blows - Keshav Maharaj did not shy away from it after Hamilton, admitting the side misread the conditions as the surface slowed up and became a bit two-paced. And heading into Auckland, the road does not get any easier. Jordan Hermann’s injury is a genuine setback. A grade two hamstring tear rules him out, and with that, South Africa lose a batter who brought real intent at the top. But in a bit of a twist, Mulder’s promotion as an opener adds a different flavour. He might not be the conventional choice, but he does bring that ability to clear the ropes and shift momentum quickly. Which means the spotlight now shifts. Tony de Zorzi and Rubin Hermann are no longer just part of the setup, they are central to it. And then comes the middle order, still finding its feet in overseas conditions. Dian Forrester and Jason Smith are very much works in progress, talented, but still learning how to navigate these situations. What do the records say? Eden Park has always had a bit of a personality of its own, with its uniquely spread boundary dimensions. And for New Zealand, it has not always been a friendly one. For all the familiarity, the results have not quite followed. They have lost more than they have won here, with the numbers reading 11 wins to 19 defeats. And it gets a bit harsher. Three of those games went into a Super Over, and they ended up on the wrong side every single time. And it is not just history from a distance. Even recently, it has been a bit of a mixed bag. One win in their last five completed matches here suggests this is still a venue they are trying to fully crack. For South Africa, though, this is uncharted territory. Their first ever T20I at Eden Park means there are no past scars, but also no reference points. It is a fresh challenge, especially for a relatively inexperienced group, walking into a ground that demands quick adjustments. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) NZ - WLLWL | SA - LWLWW. A run fest loading? Eden Park has built quite the reputation as a batter’s playground, where 200 is not a surprise, it is almost expected and routine. And if you need a reminder, think back to 2018. That night, when New Zealand piled up 243 and still ended up on the losing side, as Australia pulled off a chase that felt almost unreal. At this venue, big scores do not guarantee anything. If anything, they just set the stage for something even bigger. So expect another display of wham-bam-slam in Auckland. Let’s hope it’s a humdinger of a contest.