Continuing their strong run at home, New Zealand decimated South Africa, clinching an eight-wicket win in the third T20I at Eden Park on Friday and taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a modest target of 137, New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham gave the side a splendid start, delivering clinical performances with 39 and 63*, respectively. Their powerful start ensured New Zealand had a smooth road to victory. The Black Caps completed the chase comfortably with 22 balls to go. Latham, in particular, was hugely impressive as he blazed seven boundaries and two sixes in his magnificent knock.
Earlier, South Africa, who were asked to bat, struggled miserably in their batting attack, managing to put out a small total of 136/9 in 20 overs. Their openers faced a challenging time in building the innings, with Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder losing their wickets for 15 and 0, respectively. George Linde and Nqobani Mokoena showed some courage lower in the order, smashing 23 and 26*, respectively, to take the side to a fighting total. New Zealand bowlers, on the other hand, played a crucial role in restricting South Africa to a below-par total.
They remained relentless in their attack, maintaining tight lines to keep South Africa under pressure and stopping them from building momentum across the innings. Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner and Benjamin Sears took two wickets each. And Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham and Cole McConchie claimed one wicket each to knock down South Africa's batting line-up. This victory comes on the back of New Zealand's dominant victory in the second match that helped them level the series after going down in the opening T20I.