Esterhuizen living the dream as South Africa eye series win

South Africa batter Connor Esterhuizen has admitted it was a dream come true to lead his side to victory in the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Wellington.

Esterhuizen hit his maiden half-century when contributing 57* from just 36 deliveries in the Proteas' 19-run victory over the Black Caps at Sky Stadium on Sunday, with the hard-hitting right-hander making an immediate impact in what was just his fourth international appearance.

With his proud mother watching on in the stands, Esterhuizen smashed seven fours and a trio of massive sixes during his knock as South Africa levelled the five-match series against New Zealand at 2-2 and left the inexperienced top-order performer living out a childhood dream.

"It's a little bit surreal, as I've said, building up to my first game and stuff. It's a dream come true to help contribute to a win for my country is something very special," Esterhuizen said after the victory over New Zealand.

"It's very special to play in front of my mum. She was here for the whole series. She's made a lot of sacrifices and she's actually a superwoman.

"So for me to be here, it's a real testament to her. It's just incredible to be able to perform for my country in front of her. I mean, I think that's the ultimate dream for me."

It hasn't always come easy for Esterhuizen, with the 24-year-old revealing he came close to giving up cricket towards the start of the decade despite the fact he scored plenty of runs growing up when featuring for school side St John's College in Johannesburg.

"After not making many provincial teams before Covid or anything like that, I wasn't sure if cricket was for me," Esterhuizen said.

"And then Covid hit and I got a little bit of a break and I got to come back through club and academy.

"And I got my shot at the Lions and bided my time for a little bit. A couple of performances and I'm here, which is awesome."

Esterhuizen's heroics in Wellington means the five-match series against the Kiwis remains up for grabs heading into the winner-takes-all series decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.

While nothing will make up for South Africa's disappointing semi-final loss to the Black Caps at the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Esterhuizen believes a series victory over New Zealand will prove a major boost for his side.

"It's nice to go into the fifth T20I where there's everything to play for," Esterhuizen added.

"It's a nice big game for us, I would love to get one away from home over the Black Caps, so very excited."

Series schedule:

First T20I - Bay Oval, Tauranga, March 15 (South Africa won by 7 wickets)

Second T20I - Seddon Park, Hamilton, March 17 (New Zealand won by 68 runs)

Third T20I - Eden Park, Auckland, March 20 (New Zealand won by eight wickets)

Fourth T20I - Sky Stadium, Wellington, March 22 (South Africa won by 19 runs)

Fifth T20I - Hagley Oval, Christchurch, March 25