Keshav Maharaj was impressed with South Africa's youngsters as they stormed to a seven-wicket T20I win over New Zealand.

Gerald Coetzee (2-14) and Ottneil Baartman (2-22) claimed the first four wickets as South Africa skittled out the Black Caps for just 91 inside 15 overs.

Nqobani Mokoena (3-26) also impressed on his debut as New Zealand struggled to find any rhythm – their top scorer was James Neesham on 26.

Connor Esterhuizen propelled South Africa to victory, with an unbeaten 45, and it was his six that secured them the win as they reached 93-3 with 20 balls remaining.

New Zealand had won four of their last five T20Is against South Africa, including a nine-wicket victory in their last encounter in the T20 World Cup semi-finals earlier this month.

But Maharaj was thrilled with how South Africa bounced back to stay in control.

"I think all the plans paid off," he said. "The execution was top-notch from our young bowling lineup; whatever we asked them to do, they stood up.

"It was a little nervy towards the end, but it showed the maturity in Connor [Esterhuizen] and Dian [Forrester] to take it over the line.

"It is exciting to see the depth in the system and how the guys just fit into international cricket. Mokoena was superb; I couldn't have asked for anything more as a captain, especially with the bat at the end to get us over the line. It's special, but it's back to the drawing board for Tuesday."

MATCH RESULT

A complete performance from #TheProteas as they secure a 7-wicket victory to go 1–0 up in the five-match T20I series. #Unbreakable pic.twitter.com/lhrJR4G7p6

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 15, 2026

New Zealand have now lost their last three T20Is at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Only four of their batters hit double figures in a sluggish performance, and captain Mitchell Santner is hopeful for a sharper performance in the next match of the series.

"We pride ourselves on adapting, and we didn't do that quickly," he said. "Hamilton will be a different wicket with different dimensions, so you have to learn on the fly.

"We will reflect on the batting innings and then move on. You have the luxury of five games, so you obviously don't want to start slow, like we did.

"Every game you play, you understand their plans and what it looks like going forward. They have a quality side, as they showed, and we know we're in for a fight for the next four games."