10.00pm South Africa could not have asked for a more clinical performance to start a tough tour. They've completely outplayed, outclassed, outpaced and outmatched New Zealand in all departments to take the T20 by 78 runs. Their batsmen put up enough, and the bowlers came out right on target. From the outset, NZ were behind the game and the asking rate. Losing wickets doesn't help either. Tahir finished with 5 for 24, but it was Morris who set the tone with a sensational new-ball spell.
Imran Tahir is the Man of the Match: "It's a very special feeling every wickets I take for South Africa, like to celebrate. Stay with my plans, it's a small ground, less margin for spinners."
Kane Williamson: "They played well in all departments. Frustrating from our perspective, we didn't fire a shot. On this ground, you don't know what a good score is. Rotating strike is hard on drop-in surfaces. Lacked in partnerships."
Faf du Plessis: "Anything can happen in a one-off T20. I thought we played really well. It's nice coming back here. The last 6-7 months has been outstanding for us as a team."
TG Southee b Imran Tahir 20 (9m 6b 0x4 3x6) SR: 333.33
Last man Boult.
BM Wheeler b Imran Tahir 6 (10m 6b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
Strange as it may seem, NZ not entirely out of it just yet
END OF OVER:14 | 20 Runs | NZ: 102/8 (84 runs required from 36 balls, RR: 7.28, RRR: 14.00)
- Tim Southee20 (5b)
- Ben Wheeler2 (3b)
- Wayne Parnell3-0-40-0
- Imran Tahir3-0-19-3
END OF OVER:13 | 14 Runs 1 Wkt | NZ: 82/8 (104 runs required from 42 balls, RR: 6.30, RRR: 14.85)
- Tim Southee1 (1b)
- Ben Wheeler1 (1b)
- Imran Tahir3-0-19-3
- Andile Phehlukwayo3-0-19-3
C de Grandhomme c Duminy b Imran Tahir 15 (16m 7b 0x4 2x6) SR: 214.28