New Zealand vs South Africa, 4th T20I, South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2026 - Commentary

Keshav Maharaj | South Africa captain: It's the perfect response to two disappointing losses in a row, but that speaks to the character within the unit. Obviously, had some really good chats, but the attitude towards how we came about our business was really, really crucial to see. I think there was no preconceived ideas coming into the game in terms of plans, just, you know, saw the ball and played the ball on merit, which, you know, gave us the reward. But like I said, the energy within the camp was really good coming into this game. Really good warm-up. You could see there was a little bit of energy and a little bit of hunger within the environment. And then, you know, to transfer it on the field was phenomenal to see. Playing for your country, that fire and passion will always be there. Now and then, you just need a little bit of a reminder, and, you know, it is a young team finding their way into international cricket, so it does take a little bit of time, but to see the response after three games is superb. I think the way the debutant bowled and got those two crucial wickets to set it up. But obviously, Otos came in, two drop catches, but, you know, there wasn't a sense of panic, which is important for me to stay calm on the field. The next one, even higher, and you know, Gerald plucked it out, and then obviously I came in and got the two wickets. But I think just in general, it was a real buzz and energy and aura about us on the field. I think, like I said before, there was no pre-planned ideas coming in. Maybe the previous games we looked too much into that sort of thing, but the guys just adapted accordingly. which was pleasing to see.

Jimmy Neesham | New Zealand captain: Yeah, disappointing. Yeah, probably a wicket that was a good surface without being outstanding. So, yeah, I thought the score of 165 was probably, maybe slightly below par. And yeah, certainly had a chance going into the, I suppose, the second half of the game. And yeah, a few average options and yeah, poor execution, and you come out the wrong side of it. (on the pitch) There was a little bit in the surface in the first innings as well, I think. Just has a better balance in the powerplay to kind of be aggressive and sort of put us on the lengths and you sort of get backed into a corner a little bit with trying to bowl variations. And I think I showed in the second innings, if you just stuck to a hard length and let the ball do the work, there was a little bit of sideways movement and yeah, we had a few sort of average options and as I said, just fell short. (on captaincy) Yeah, it was enjoyable. You know, you're sort of more a stranger, I guess, to how it all works with sort of being in the leadership group, I guess, in the field usually. And you have those conversations around, you know, fields and bowling changes and that kind of thing. So it's not a huge change to just become the person that makes the call in the end, I guess. (on where he sees New Zealand cricket at the moment) Yeah, very strong. I think that's probably the, I suppose, what this series is good for is displaying the depth in both sides. Both sides missing a few players. So it's always an opportunity for us to blood young guys and guys like Katene Clarke, who's obviously had a barnstorming Super Smash this year, gets his opportunity at the next level. And, you know, in three or four years' time when a couple of guys move on, it's always good to have, you know, a few games of experience into that next level of player. (on the decider) Probably a bit of honesty, I guess, around, you know, where things went wrong today. I think, you know, we bowled extremely well in the previous two games and then probably got a little bit carried away with, you know, variations and that kind of thing. So, yeah, as you mentioned, Hagley, a bigger ground, bigger surface area. You know, those different options come into play a little bit more. And yeah, a couple of days, which is rare. So a training session to get things come together and then, yeah, hopefully close out the series.

Esterhuizen: Just tried to keep at as simple as possible. Didn't have much time to think about it as I was out there straightaway. Just tried to keep it simple. Playing straight lines and playing the line. Thought the more you're in the easier it got. Was a tough pitch to start on. Little bit of a challenge - ball swings around, not used to the conditions and the way to stand is also a challenge. But I've enjoyed it, enjoy my wicketkeeping.

22:35 Local Time, 09:35 GMT, 15:05 IST: Superb bowling and an OK fielding performance from South Africa as they level the series 2-2. After the first over from Linde which went for 15, South Africa came storming back. Coetzee and Baartman rushed the batters with their pace and skiddiness. While Maharaj and Subrayen with their spin were oustanding. The spin duo were the ones who brought South Africa right into the game with wickets as well as choking the runs. Tim Robinson at the top played lovely strokes but apart from Cleaver who made 26 and Nick Kelly 19, there was no other contribution from the New Zealanders. At one stage, New Zealand were well-placed at 76/2 in the 9th over but they slipped to 95/5 and South Africa kept picking wickets to peg them back. South Africa dropped catches but it didn't cost them. Stay tuned for the post-match stuff...

Gerald Coetzee to Kyle Jamieson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

South Africa take a review for an LBW. This looks sliding down. Let's see.

A chat between Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears.