Debutant Mokoena stars as SA rip NZ to shreds

FE Team | Published: March 15, 2026 23:08:23

South Africa's Nqobani Mokoena celebrates the wicket of New Zealand's Cole McConchie during the first Twenty20 international at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand on Sunday-AFP

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, Mar 15 (AFP): A new-look South Africa scythed through New Zealand's batting lineup to comfortably win Sunday's first Twenty20 international by seven wickets, with 20 balls to spare.
The visitors' seam attack proved unplayable early on as World Cup finalists New Zealand were reduced to 36-5 before being dismissed for 91 in the 15th over, their 10th lowest total in T20s.
South Africa eased to 93-3 in response, with opener Connor Esterhuizen's unbeaten 45 off 48 balls ensuring they would claim early honours in the five-match series.
The 24-year-old was one of four South African players making their international debut in any format, alongside Rubin Hermann, Dian Forrester and Nqobani Mokoena.