South Africa’s spin team played a decisive role as the tourists beat New Zealand by 19 runs to draw 2-2 in the fourth Twenty20 International in five games on Sunday.
New Zealand sealed the series with a 164-5 win in Wellington.
However, starting at 88-3 after 10 overs, they lost wickets in quick succession and were bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
The result leaves the series between the two countries’ weaker teams set to be decided in Christchurch on Wednesday.
The tide of the match tilted in South Africa’s favour, with spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen tightening the screws in the middle overs of the chase.
Skipper Maharaj, the most experienced member of the Experimental Tour team, struggled to score and took 2-22 in four overs.
Subayan, making his maiden T20 international appearance, dismissed Dane Cleaver for 26, triggering New Zealand’s mid-order collapse and finishing with 2-13 in three overs.
Maharaj said his team showed more energy than in the defeats at Hamilton and Auckland.
“It’s the perfect response to two disappointing defeats in a row,” he said.
“Going into this game you could see there was a lot more energy and hunger.
“We’re a young team and we’re finding our way in international cricket, so it’s going to take a little time.”
Opener Tim Robinson scored 32 for New Zealand while Proteas pacer Gerald Coetzee claimed the title 31-31.
South Africa’s match was won by wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen’s 57 off 36 balls.
He was bowled by a brilliant outfield catch from Katene Clarke on her international debut off the bowling of Ben Sears.
Paceman Sears also impressed, taking 1-22 in four rounds, conceding just two points in the final round.
