South Africa beats New Zealand by 19 runs to level T20I series at 2-2

New Zealand captain Tom Latham was ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Wellington after sustaining a thumb injury during the third match at Eden Park, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Sunday. All-rounder James Neesham stepped in to lead the Black Caps for the first time in his career, while wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was called into the squad as a replacement.thesportstak+3

The Injury

Latham was struck on the thumb by South African fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena during the third T20I in Auckland on Friday night. Despite the blow, he batted on to score an unbeaten 63 off 55 balls, steering New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory that gave the hosts a 2-1 series lead.latestly+3

Medical staff assessed his thumb after the match before Latham was flown to Christchurch the following morning for further scans. His availability for the fifth and final T20I at Hagley Oval on March 25 will depend on the results of those assessments.mrcricketuae+1

"Tom Latham has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa starting this Sunday 22 March in Wellington," NZC said in a post on X. "Wellington Firebirds wicketkeeper Tom Blundell comes into the squad as top order batting/wicketkeeper cover."thesportstak+1

Neesham Takes the Reins

Neesham became the 12th player to captain New Zealand in T20Is, taking over after regular skipper Mitchell Santner departed for the Indian Premier League following the first three matches of the series. Latham had been set to fill the captaincy role for the final two games before the injury intervened.cricketaddictor+2

The injury added to a growing casualty list for the Black Caps, who had already lost Ish Sodhi to a broken thumb and Bevon Jacobs to a knee injury earlier in the series.latestly+1

Series Squared

South Africa made the most of Latham's absence, winning the fourth T20I by 19 runs at Sky Stadium to level the series at 2-2. Connor Esterhuizen anchored the visitors' innings with 57 off 36 balls before a disciplined bowling attack, led by Gerald Coetzee's three wickets, restricted New Zealand to 145 all out in pursuit of 165. The result sets up a decider in Christchurch on March 25.crickettimes