South Africa beat New Zealand by seven wickets in Mount Maunganui after bowling the hosts out for just 91, with debutant Mokoena impressing with three wickets.

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New Zealand were bowled out for one of their lowest T20I totals as a revamped South African side secured a comfortable seven-wicket win in the opening match of the five-game series at Mount Maunganui.

The visitors fielded an experimental lineup, with only stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj having played in the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand just 11 days earlier. South Africa handed out four debuts and immediately put that disappointment behind them with a dominant display against the hosts.

New Zealand’s decision to bat first on a pitch offering bounce and carry proved costly. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman and debutant Nqobani Mokoena, made full use of the conditions. The trio generated movement and maintained testing lengths, sharing seven wickets as New Zealand struggled throughout the innings.

The home side’s batting never gained momentum. Jimmy Neesham top-scored with 26, while the highest partnership of the innings – between Neesham and Cole McConchie – produced the same number of runs. Ultimately, New Zealand were dismissed in under 15 overs.

South Africa’s fast bowlers made a big impact during the powerplay, removing half the New Zealand side in the opening six overs. Coetzee struck first after mixing up his lengths before forcing Devon Conway into a miscued shot to short midwicket. Soon after, he produced a delivery that moved in sharply to trap Tom Latham on the front pad.

Baartman quickly showed why many felt he was unlucky to miss out on the T20 World Cup squad. With just his second legal delivery, he had Tim Robinson mis-hitting to mid-on. Moments later, he completely breached debutant Nick Kelly’s defence with a full, straight delivery that rattled the stumps.

New Zealand’s problems deepened when Bevon Jacobs attempted a quick single after driving Baartman to cover. Rubin Hermann reacted swiftly and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end with a direct throw to run him out, leaving the hosts struggling at 36 for 5 by the end of the powerplay.

Nineteen-year-old Mokoena also made an impressive start to his international career. Sharing the new ball, he initially found Latham’s outside edge, though it slipped past both the wicketkeeper and third man. His breakthrough came later when he deceived Neesham with a slower delivery, leading to a catch behind the stumps for his maiden international wicket.

Mokoena continued to trouble the batters with his variations. He dismissed Zak Foulkes using extra pace and bounce before finishing the innings by forcing McConchie into a mistimed big shot that was caught in the deep. The debutant ended with figures of 3 for 26.

While chasing the modest target, South Africa still had to work against some tidy New Zealand bowling. Mitchell Santner was particularly effective, conceding just eight runs from his four overs and picking up a wicket.

Jason Smith, who had been selected ahead of Tristan Stubbs during the T20 World Cup, had a chance to make an impact. However, Santner kept him under pressure with clever variations in pace and flight. After a slow start, Smith attempted to press forward against a turning delivery but was stumped by Latham, leaving South Africa still needing 37 runs.

Another newcomer, Connor Esterhuizen, then guided the chase with a composed innings. His patient 45 from 48 balls anchored South Africa’s pursuit and helped them comfortably reach the target.

Despite the convincing victory, South Africa did face a minor setback. Jordan Hermann, who was expected to open the batting, suffered a hamstring strain while fielding and did not come out to bat. With no additional batters in the squad and a quick turnaround before the next game, the injury could affect South Africa’s options for the remainder of the series.

New Zealand also had an injury scare as Bevon Jacobs left the field with the physio after appearing to hurt his right knee while chasing a catch.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s women defeated South Africa by 80 runs, ensuring that both nations ended the day with a win each on what turned out to be an eventful Sunday of cricket.