South Africa defeated New Zealand in the fifth and final T20 International to clinch the five-match series 3-2 at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to field first, inviting South Africa to bat. The visitors posted a competitive total of 187 for four in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a blistering innings by Connor Straussen, who scored 75 runs off just 33 balls.
Rubin Hermann contributed 39 runs, while Wiaan Mulder added 31. For New Zealand, Ben Sears claimed two wickets, while Zak Foulkes and Josh Clarkson picked up one each.
In reply, New Zealand could only manage 154 for eight in their 20 overs. Bevon Jacobs top-scored with 36, followed by Tim Robinson with 25 and captain James Neesham, who made 24.
South Africa’s bowling attack was led by Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder and Ottneil Baartman, who took two wickets each, while Keshav Maharaj chipped in with one wicket.
With this victory, South Africa sealed the series 3-2 after a closely contested five-match contest.