New Delhi: South Africa defeated New Zealand by 19 runs in the fourth T20I to level the five-match series 2-2 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Sunday, March 22. Connor Esterhuizen smashed a brilliant fifty to help South Africa post 164/5. In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 145, with Gerald Coetzee taking three while Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman and Keshav Maharag picked up two wickets each.

Openers Tim Robinson and debutant Katene Clarke provided a good start to the New Zealand chase with a flurry of boundaries before Wiaan Mulder dismissed the newcomer for 9 in the third over. Robinson had luck on his side, with an inside edge evading wicketkeeper Esterhuizen, while George Linde also dropped a catch at midwicket.

The Proteas finally removed Robinson when Coetzee removed him for 32 in the last over of the powerplay. Cleaver hit a boundary and a maximum in the same over to help the hosts end the Powerplay at 63/2. The visitors made a strong comeback by taking quick wickets as New Zealand reached 95/5 in the 12th over.

Subrayen dismissed Cleaver for 26 with a full delivery, who also bowled Bevon Javobs for 3 runs with a yorker. James Neesham got a couple of chances before getting a top-edge off Baartman. Cole McConchie and Nick Kelly tried to play counter-attacking shots, but Maharaj removed both in the 14th over, leaving New Zealand at 112/7.

Baartman picked up his second wicket, removing Zakary Foulkes for 7. Coetzee dismissed Josh Clarkson for 10 to claim his second. He took his third wicket by removing Kyle Jamieson in the 19th over to wrap up the match.

The Proteas set up an exquisite series decider against New Zealand by clinching the fourth T20I 💪

📝: https://t.co/xynNfrNbmI pic.twitter.com/g66WGxnfXP

— ICC (@ICC)

(more to follow)