NZ vs SA Highlights, 3rd T20I: New Zealand crush South Africa by 8 wickets, lead series 2-1
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 20, 2026, 15:11:27 IST
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NZ vs SA Highlights, 3rd T20I: New Zealand crush South Africa by 8 wickets, lead series 2-1

New Zealand vs South Africa Live Score, 3rd T20I: A clinical bowling performance helped New Zealand restrict South Africa to a below-par total, despite a late cameo from Mokeana.

After being sent in to bat, South Africa never quite found their rhythm, with wickets falling at regular intervals and partnerships proving hard to come by.

Interestingly, a 10th-wicket stand of 24 runs turned out to be the second-highest partnership of the innings, underlining their struggles. Mokeana’s unbeaten 26 was the top score, as seven batters reached double figures without converting their starts.

New Zealand were sharp in all departments, combining disciplined bowling with outstanding ground fielding and catching.

At the innings break, Lockie Ferguson acknowledged the tricky nature of the drop-in surface, noting the extra pace and bounce that made strokeplay difficult early on. He also stressed the importance of adapting to varying conditions, a key focus for the side.

With a modest target ahead and conditions expected to ease slightly for batting, New Zealand will back themselves to chase it down and move 2-1 ahead in the series.
12:26 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs8.4
Score49 - 5

James Neesham to Dian Forrester, Just short! A touch fuller, outside off, Dian Forrester swings hard but gets an outside edge. The ball goes on the bounce towards the fielder at third man. They cross.

12:25 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs8.3
Score48 - 5

James Neesham to George Linde, Back of a length again, outside off, George Linde tries to slap it but edges it to third man for a single.

12:24 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs8.2
Score47 - 5

James Neesham to George Linde, Slightly shorter, just outside off, George Linde punches it to the fielder at backward point.

12:24 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs8.1
Score47 - 5

James Neesham to Dian Forrester, Hard length, on middle and leg, Dian Forrester knocks it down the ground to long on for a single.

12:23 (IST) Mar 20

In walks George Linde at number 7. A change in bowling as James Neesham has been introduced into the attack.

12:22 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 8 overs 46 - 5
Runs Scored: 0
100100(W)
  • Rubin Hermann 4 (8)
  • Dian Forrester 1 (3)
Cole McConchie1-0-2-1
W
Overs7.6
Score46 - 5

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, OUT! CHOPPED ON! Another one departs, and South Africa are in massive trouble now. Short ball, outside off, and it turns away. Rubin Hermann reaches out to it and looks to slap it, but gets a bottom edge as the ball rattles over the stumps. South Africa are five down now for just 46 runs.

12:21 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs7.5
Score46 - 4

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, Short and wide, Rubin Hermann slaps it straight towards the cover fielder.

12:21 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs7.4
Score46 - 4

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Fired in, on off, Dian Forrester guides it through cover for a single.

12:21 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs7.3
Score45 - 4

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Quicker, on middle, Dian Forrester looks to push it but miscues it back towards the bowler.

12:20 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs7.2
Score45 - 4

Cole McConchie to Dian Forrester, Turn and bounce, on middle, Dian Forrester blocks it to mid on.

12:20 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs7.1
Score45 - 4

Cole McConchie to Rubin Hermann, Nice and full, on middle, Rubin Hermann flicks it to mid-wicket for a run.

12:19 (IST) Mar 20

The new batter is Dian Forrester with South Africa in all sorts of trouble. It will be spin from both ends as Cole McConchie comes on.

12:18 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 7 overs 44 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
011010(W)
  • Jason Smith 10 (7)
  • Rubin Hermann 3 (5)
Mitchell Santner2-0-9-2
W
Overs6.6
Score44 - 4

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, OUT! TAKEN! That's a soft dismissal. Short ball, outside off, with a hint of turn. Jason Smith misjudges it completely. He tries to slap it but the ball stops and spins away to catch the outer half. The ball lobs in the air towards backward point where Devon Conway makes no mistake. South Africa are 44/4 after 7 overs.

12:17 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs6.5
Score44 - 3

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Brilliant over so far. Quicker, on leg, Rubin Hermann nudges it through square leg for a single.

12:17 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs6.4
Score43 - 3

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Keeps it bowling short, outside off. Rubin Hermann tries to slap it but gets a bottom edge as the ball bounces towards the keeper. Dot.

12:17 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs6.3
Score43 - 3

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Flatter, just outside off, Jason Smith slaps it towards deep cover for a single.

12:16 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs6.2
Score42 - 3

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Quicker, shorter, and on middle. Rubin Hermann pulls it over mid-wicket for a run.

12:16 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs6.1
Score41 - 3

Mitchell Santner to Rubin Hermann, Just short! Short, on middle, Rubin Hermann tucks it on the bounce towards the fielder at short mid-wicket.

12:14 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 6 overs 41 - 3
Runs Scored: 0
040(W)140
  • Jason Smith 9 (5)
  • Rubin Hermann 1 (1)
Ben Sears1-0-9-1
0
Overs5.6
Score41 - 3

Ben Sears to Jason Smith, Good length, just outside off, Jason Smith looks to guide it but miscues it on the bounce towards the fielder at short third. Dot to end the over. At the end of 6 overs, South Africa are 41/3.

12:14 (IST) Mar 20
4
Overs5.5
Score41 - 3

Ben Sears to Jason Smith, FOUR! Streaky but they will take it! Hard length, outside off, Jason Smith stays in his crease and swings hard. Gets an outside edge as the ball flies over short third for a boundary.

12:13 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs5.4
Score37 - 3

Ben Sears to Rubin Hermann, Hard length, on the pads, Rubin Hermann clips it to backward square leg for a single.

12:12 (IST) Mar 20

Three down inside the Powerplay. South Africa are under a bit of pressure here. Rubin Hermann is the next batter in.

12:11 (IST) Mar 20
W
Overs5.3
Score36 - 3

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Sears gets a wicket in his first over. Back of a length, outside off, Tony de Zorzi moves to his left and looks to ramp it over short fine. The ball gets big on him, and it is skied off the gloves towards short third. Lockie Ferguson runs over his right shoulder and takes a safe catch.

12:10 (IST) Mar 20
4
Overs5.2
Score36 - 2

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, FOUR! That's a lovely shot from Tony de Zorzi! Ben Sears bowls it full and down leg, Tony de Zorzi moves to his right and chips it magnificently over cover for a boundary.

12:10 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs5.1
Score32 - 2

Ben Sears to Tony de Zorzi, Oh! A touch fuller, around leg, Tony de Zorzi looks to flick it but is beaten for pace on the inside edge.

12:10 (IST) Mar 20

Spin from both ends? Nope, it's Ben Sears from the other end.

12:09 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 5 overs 32 - 2
Runs Scored: 0
00(W)0411
  • Tony de Zorzi 11 (15)
  • Jason Smith 5 (3)
Mitchell Santner1-0-6-1
1
Overs4.6
Score32 - 2

Mitchell Santner to Tony de Zorzi, Quicker, on the pads, Tony de Zorzi rocks back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a quick single.

12:08 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs4.5
Score31 - 2

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Short again, just outside off, Jason Smith punches it through covers for a single.

12:07 (IST) Mar 20
4
Overs4.4
Score30 - 2

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, FOUR! Lovely shot! Tossed up by Mitchell Santner, just outside off, Jason Smith steps out and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

12:07 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs4.3
Score26 - 2

Mitchell Santner to Jason Smith, Speared in, full and on middle. Jason Smith blocks it off.

12:07 (IST) Mar 20

South Africa lose their second wicket inside the Powerplay. Jason Smith replaces Connor Esterhuizen.

12:05 (IST) Mar 20
W
Overs4.2
Score26 - 2

Mitchell Santner to Connor Esterhuizen, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Santner makes an impact straightaway. Short ball again, on off, and it gets an extra bounce off the deck. Connor Esterhuizen hangs back and looks to loft it, but gets a top edge. The ball carries towards the vacant mid off region. Nick Kelly moves to his left from mid on and takes a good catch. South Africa are 26/2 after 4.2 overs.

12:05 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs4.1
Score26 - 1

Mitchell Santner to Connor Esterhuizen, Mitchell Santner starts with a dot. Flatter, shorter, and on middle. Connor Esterhuizen blocks it back to the right of the bowler.

12:05 (IST) Mar 20

Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack.

12:04 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 4 overs 26 - 1
Runs Scored: 0
000031
  • Connor Esterhuizen 15 (6)
  • Tony de Zorzi 10 (14)
Lockie Ferguson2-0-5-1
1
Overs3.6
Score26 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Connor Esterhuizen, Lands it on a hard length, over middle. Connor Esterhuizen is hurried and fends it down beside the strip on the leg side before crossing over.

12:03 (IST) Mar 20
3
Overs3.5
Score25 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Tony frees his arms and hits it along the ground through covers. Devon Conway gives it a good chase and slides to flick the ball away from the fence. Cole McConchie converges and mops it up. Three runs taken.

12:02 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs3.4
Score22 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Make that four dots! Lockie Ferguson digs it in short, over off, Tony de Zorzi lets it be.

12:02 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs3.3
Score22 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Three dots in a row. Frustration building for Tony de Zorzi. Lockie Ferguson switches to around the wicket and slips in a full ball, outside off, Tony walks across the stumps for the scoop but the ball is too full for the shot and he fails to connect.

12:01 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs3.2
Score22 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, Pace off now, full in length at the sticks. Tony skips out of the crease and drills it hard but picks out the mid off fielder.

12:01 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs3.1
Score22 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Tony de Zorzi, On a hard length, skidding through, on middle. Tony de Zorzi is rushed on the pull and miscues it towards cover.

11:59 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 3 overs 22 - 1
Runs Scored: 0
010644
  • Connor Esterhuizen 14 (5)
  • Tony de Zorzi 7 (9)
Kyle Jamieson2-0-21-0
4
Overs2.6
Score22 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, FOUR MORE! 15 runs off the over. Kyle Jamieson ends up being a bit too full. Dishes out a half-volley, on off. Esterhuizen does not try to overhit this one and just eases the drive to the right of mid off for another boundary.

11:59 (IST) Mar 20
4
Overs2.5
Score18 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, FOUR! Nicely done! This is on the fuller side, on middle. Connor presents the full face of the blade and plays the lofted drive with a high elbow. Gets it over wide mid on and picks up a four.

11:58 (IST) Mar 20
6
Overs2.4
Score14 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, SIX! Nowhere close to where Connor Esterhuizen intended but he will take it! Slanting into the right-hander, on a back of a length, at the hips. Esterhuizen looks to pick it up on the leg side but the ball catches the leading edge and sails over the deep third fence for a six.

11:57 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs2.3
Score8 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Connor Esterhuizen, Beaten! Angled in and then nipping away off the deck, in the channel. Connor Esterhuizen has a poke at it and is lucky not to nick this one behind.

11:57 (IST) Mar 20
1
Overs2.2
Score8 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Banged in short again, on middle. Tony hangs back this time and swivels to pull it behind square leg. Devon Conway gets around to his right in the deep and keeps the batters to a single.

11:56 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs2.1
Score7 - 1

Kyle Jamieson to Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Jamieson digs it in short, over middle. Tony de Zorzi gives the bowler the charge and has a swing at it but connects with thin air.

11:55 (IST) Mar 20
Score after 2 overs 7 - 1
Runs Scored: 0
10000(W)0
  • Connor Esterhuizen 0 (1)
  • Tony de Zorzi 6 (7)
Lockie Ferguson1-0-1-1
0
Overs1.6
Score7 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Connor Esterhuizen, DROPPED! James Neesham puts it down. Nearly two in two for Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson keeps it full, outside off, Connor Esterhuizen presses forward and goes for the drive. The ball takes the outside edge and flies quickly to first slip. Neesham moves to his left and gets low. The ball hits his palm before popping out and dropping to the ground.

11:54 (IST) Mar 20

Wiaan Mulder struggles on top of the order once again. Connor Esterhuizen walks in at number 3.

11:53 (IST) Mar 20
W
Overs1.5
Score7 - 1

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, OUT! CAUGHT! Lockie Ferguson lands the first blow. A sharp catch by Cole McConchie. Pitched up, outside off. The width is there for Mulder to cash in and he cracks the drive, but neither does he get the elevation, nor is it wide enough to beat the catching cover fielder. McConchie reacts quickly and takes the catch to his left around his shoulder.

11:53 (IST) Mar 20
0
Overs1.4
Score7 - 0

Lockie Ferguson to Wiaan Mulder, Just short! Into the surface, over middle. Mulder takes a couple of steps down the track to slam it down the ground. The ball gets big on him and it drops just short of the diving mid on fielder.

24 More Updates
New Zealand vs South Africa Live Score, 3rd T20I: New Zealand will be pleased with their bowling effort after restricting South Africa to an underwhelming total despite a late flourish from Mokeana.

Put in to bat, South Africa struggled for momentum from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build meaningful partnerships. A late 10th-wicket stand of 24 runs pushed them past the 130-mark, with Mokeana’s unbeaten 26 — the highest individual score of the innings — offering some resistance.

New Zealand’s disciplined bowling was backed by sharp fielding and excellent catching throughout the innings.

Speaking at the break, Lockie Ferguson highlighted the challenging nature of the surface but praised his team’s adaptability and execution. With conditions still offering some assistance to bowlers early on, New Zealand will be confident of chasing down the target and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.