South Africa kept the five-match T20I series alive with a spirited 19-run win over New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday, drawing level at 2-2 ahead of Wednesday’s decider.

Asked to bat, South Africa posted 164 for 5, a total that looked slightly under par on a good surface. But Connor Esterhuizen’s composed 57 gave the innings substance after Wiaan Mulder fell for a duck in the opening over. Esterhuizen, shuffled around the order during the series, seized his chance at No. 3 with his first international half-century, reaching fifty from 33 balls and striking cleanly through the leg side.

He added 81 for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi, South Africa’s best partnership of the series, before a fine diving catch by debutant Katene Clarke ended his innings. New Zealand then fought back well through Ben Sears, whose clever variations and pinpoint yorkers helped restrict South Africa in the closing overs. Sears finished with 1 for 22, while Kyle Jamieson claimed 2 for 29.

In reply, New Zealand never built the partnerships required to chase steadily. Tim Robinson top-scored with 32, but Gerald Coetzee’s hostile opening spell ensured early pressure and he ended with 3 for 31.

The decisive phase came through South Africa’s spinners. Debutant offspinner Prenelan Subrayen struck twice in quick succession, removing Dane Cleaver and Bevan Jacobs, while stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj delivered the knockout blows in the middle overs. Maharaj’s two wickets in one over left New Zealand reeling at 112 for 7, well behind the chase.

Subrayen returned figures of 2 for 13 and Maharaj 2 for 22 as South Africa’s attack combined impressively to bowl New Zealand out for 145 inside 19 overs.

With New Zealand resting several senior players and Tom Latham absent injured, South Africa took full advantage. More importantly, they showed the depth and discipline that had been missing earlier in the series. Now, the teams head into the final match with everything to play for.