Overview
- New Zealand were dismissed for 91 in 14.3 overs at Mount Maunganui after losing five wickets in the powerplay.
- Debutant Nqobani Mokoena, 19, took 3/26 and was named Player of the Match.
- Gerald Coetzee (2/14), Ottneil Baartman (2/22) and captain Keshav Maharaj (2/25) provided key support with the ball.
- Connor Esterhuizen anchored the chase with an unbeaten 45 off 48 balls, finishing the match in 16.4 overs with a six and 20 balls to spare.
- New Zealand fielded a rotated squad under Mitchell Santner, and the second T20I is scheduled for March 17 in Hamilton.