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New Zealand 86 (Kleinveldt 3-18, Peterson 2-8) v South Africa
South Africa's bowlers were not given much resistance to work against © Getty Images
New Zealand launched their South Africa tour with a limp batting performance in the opening Twenty20 at Kingsmead as they narrowly avoided a new record low total in the format. The lower order edged them to 86 in 18.2 overs, passing the 80 they scored against Pakistan in 2010, but South Africa's bowling attack proved too much of a challenge.
A callow batting order, with much resting on new captain Brendon McCullum, was always likely to struggle, especially after just one warm-up match to prepare but it was still a hugely disappointing effort. South Africa, though, under a new captain and coach, looked primed for the home season although debutant Chris Morris picked up a leg injury.
It was obvious that Ross Taylor's absence would leave a vast hole and Martin Guptill was also ruled out of this match with a stomach bug, but the top order did not give itself much of a chance on a slightly two-paced surface. The batsmen paid the price for too much aggression too early, perhaps in an eagerness to exploit the Powerplay.
Rory Kleinveldt struck with his first ball with one that bounced a touch more against Rob Nicol to give Quinton de Kock, the debutant wicketkeeper, his first catch. De Kock, who turned 20 earlier this week, was one of seven new caps handed out between the teams for this match as the sides look to start afresh after a poor World Twenty20.
Steyn had Peter Fulton caught at mid-on before Kleinveldt claimed the key wicket of McCullum who top-edged a hook and was well caught by Steyn running backwards from short fine-leg. After the six-over Powerplay, New Zealand were already tottering on 27 for 3 and it didn't get better although James Franklin may have received a harsh decision with suggestions the ball brushed his arm.
Morris, another of the debutants, claimed his first international scalp when Corey Anderson, also in his first match, clubbed to mid-off and later added Colin Munro who at least had shown some decent shot-selection before slogging across the line. However, Morris could not complete his allocation after suffering what appeared to be a muscle strain with two balls remaining.
Between Morris's two wickets spin also made a mark as Robin Peterson gained from the slightly tricky nature of the surface. However, it was nowhere near as tough as the scoreline suggested. With New Zealand left to try and bat out the overs - which they failed to do - Peterson was able to collect South Africa's most economical figures in Twenty20.
South Africa's bowlers were not given much resistance to work against © Getty Images
New Zealand launched their South Africa tour with a limp batting performance in the opening Twenty20 at Kingsmead as they narrowly avoided a new record low total in the format. The lower order edged them to 86 in 18.2 overs, passing the 80 they scored against Pakistan in 2010, but South Africa's bowling attack proved too much of a challenge.
A callow batting order, with much resting on new captain Brendon McCullum, was always likely to struggle, especially after just one warm-up match to prepare but it was still a hugely disappointing effort. South Africa, though, under a new captain and coach, looked primed for the home season although debutant Chris Morris picked up a leg injury.
It was obvious that Ross Taylor's absence would leave a vast hole and Martin Guptill was also ruled out of this match with a stomach bug, but the top order did not give itself much of a chance on a slightly two-paced surface. The batsmen paid the price for too much aggression too early, perhaps in an eagerness to exploit the Powerplay.
Rory Kleinveldt struck with his first ball with one that bounced a touch more against Rob Nicol to give Quinton de Kock, the debutant wicketkeeper, his first catch. De Kock, who turned 20 earlier this week, was one of seven new caps handed out between the teams for this match as the sides look to start afresh after a poor World Twenty20.
Steyn had Peter Fulton caught at mid-on before Kleinveldt claimed the key wicket of McCullum who top-edged a hook and was well caught by Steyn running backwards from short fine-leg. After the six-over Powerplay, New Zealand were already tottering on 27 for 3 and it didn't get better although James Franklin may have received a harsh decision with suggestions the ball brushed his arm.
Morris, another of the debutants, claimed his first international scalp when Corey Anderson, also in his first match, clubbed to mid-off and later added Colin Munro who at least had shown some decent shot-selection before slogging across the line. However, Morris could not complete his allocation after suffering what appeared to be a muscle strain with two balls remaining.
Between Morris's two wickets spin also made a mark as Robin Peterson gained from the slightly tricky nature of the surface. However, it was nowhere near as tough as the scoreline suggested. With New Zealand left to try and bat out the overs - which they failed to do - Peterson was able to collect South Africa's most economical figures in Twenty20.