South Africa’s T20 turnaround in New Zealand: Esterhuizen’s statement and a blueprint for 2026

South Africa flipped a 2–1 deficit into a 3–2 T20I series win in New Zealand, leaning on late-series clarity with bat and ball. Rassie van der Dussen and Andile Phehlukwayo provided key support, but it was Ruan Esterhuizen’s fearless strokeplay that gave the Proteas a new middle-order edge.