Legspinner Imran Tahir underlined why he is the world's top-ranked bowler in limited overs cricket, bamboozling the New Zealand's batsmen to help South Africa to a 78-run win in their Twenty20 match in Auckland.
Imran Tahir took 5-24 as he helped South Africa to victory over the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport
Tahir, who was on a hat-trick in his second over, had his figures ruined by successive sixes from Colin de Grandhomme but still finished with 5-24 in 3.5 overs, with the New Zealanders unable to pick his googly.
The 37-year-old did reap the benefits of a superb bowling performance by the rest of the team with Chris Morris, who was also denied a hat-trick, having figures of 2-10 in his opening three-over spell.
South Africa's Chris Morris celebrates the dismissal of Colin Monroe. Photo: Photosport
Andile Phehlukwayo took three wickets, including the important wicket of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, as the hosts crumbled to 107 in 14.5 overs while chasing South Africa's 185-6.
The loss was New Zealand's first at home this summer.
Both sides had said beforehand they felt just having one Twenty20 clash before the five-match one-day series did not have much meaning and more games should have been scheduled.
The South African top order, however, underlined how dangerous they would be in the one-day series with nearly all making telling contributions.
While Quinton de Kock fell for a duck in the third over, Hashim Amla (62), captain Faf du Plessis (36), AB de Villiers (26) and JP Duminy (29) all scored quickly.
Amla's innings was particularly impressive as he played just pure cricket shots to hit nine boundaries and a six in his 43-ball innings.
The opener also combined with du Plessis in an 87-run partnership from 8.3 overs and the visitors looked well set to score in excess of 200 if the pair could stay at the crease.
De Grandhomme, however, dismissed both du Plessis and de Villiers to leave their side on 145-4 in the 16th over ensuring the all-rounders needed to push the innings on.
Opening bowler Trent Boult finished with an impressive 2-8 from four overs.
The first one-day international is in Hamilton on Sunday.
Look back on the match here:
