South Africa beat New Zealand by 78 runs

South Africa defeated New Zealand by 78 runs Friday in a one-off Twenty20 international at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Spinner Imran Tahir took five for 24 as the Proteas skittled New Zealand for 107 after batting first and scoring 185 for six in their 20 overs.

Earlier, a half century from big-hitting opener Hashim Amla helped South Africa to 185 for six in the one-off Twenty 20 against New Zealand on Friday.

Amla made the most of the short boundaries at Auckland’s Eden Park to smash 62 off 43 balls as the Proteas made a flying start in the first match of their New Zealand tour.

He received ample support from skipper Faf du Plessis (36) and JP Duminy (29) before the New Zealand attack hit back.

The South Africans looked set to make 200-plus but Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme put the brakes on with two wickets apiece.

Boult was particularly effective, conceding only eight runs in his four overs.

Source: The Hindu