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Commentator: Nikhil Kalro
10.00pm South Africa could not have asked for a more clinical performance to start a tough tour. They've completely outplayed, outclassed, outpaced and outmatched New Zealand in all departments to take the T20 by 78 runs. Their batsmen put up enough, and the bowlers came out right on target. From the outset, NZ were behind the game and the asking rate. Losing wickets doesn't help either. Tahir finished with 5 for 24, but it was Morris who set the tone with a sensational new-ball spell.
Imran Tahir is the Man of the Match: "It's a very special feeling every wickets I take for South Africa, like to celebrate. Stay with my plans, it's a small ground, less margin for spinners."
Kane Williamson: "They played well in all departments. Frustrating from our perspective, we didn't fire a shot. On this ground, you don't know what a good score is. Rotating strike is hard on drop-in surfaces. Lacked in partnerships."
Faf du Plessis: "Anything can happen in a one-off T20. I thought we played really well. It's nice coming back here. The last 6-7 months has been outstanding for us as a team."
TG Southee b Imran Tahir 20 (9m 6b 0x4 3x6) SR: 333.33
Last man Boult.
BM Wheeler b Imran Tahir 6 (10m 6b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
Strange as it may seem, NZ not entirely out of it just yet
Imran Tahir claimed career-best figures of 5 for 24 in South Africa's victory in Auckland, in a timely audition before the IPL auction
Plays of the day from the one-off T20 between South Africa and New Zealand at Eden Park
South Africa ended New Zealand's unbeaten run in their current home season with a thoroughly dominant performance in the first T20I
With teams focusing on ODIs, given the upcoming Champions Trophy, and the next World T20 possibly three years away, there is a distinct lack of context to Friday's New Zealand-South Africa match
Imran Tahir has said it is 'very special' to be ranked the No. 1 bowler in both ODI and T20 cricket
