South African cricketer Conor Estrugen etched his name into the record books with a remarkable performance against New Zealand national cricket team in the T20I format.

Estrugen registered the highest individual score by a South African batter against New Zealand in T20 internationals, surpassing the previous record of 69 runs set by Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara in 2009.

The milestone came during the fifth and final T20I of the five-match series held in Christchurch on Wednesday. Estrugen delivered a match-winning knock of 75 runs off just 33 deliveries, including powerful boundary hitting that shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour.

South Africa, led by Keshav Maharaj, secured a convincing 33-run victory in the decider, clinching the series 3-2.

After being put in to bat first, South Africa posted a competitive total of 187/4 in 20 overs. Estrugen played a pivotal role, accelerating the innings in the latter stages. He was well supported by Rubin Hermann (39), Wiaan Mulder (31), and Forrester (21 not out), with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership boosting the total significantly.

In response, New Zealand were restricted to 154/8 in their 20 overs. Bevan Jacobs top-scored with 36 runs, while contributions from James Neesham (24), Tim Robinson (25), and Cleaver (22) were insufficient to chase down the target.

South Africa’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, and Bartman claiming two wickets each.

Estrugen’s outstanding contributions throughout the series, including two half-centuries and a total of 200 runs, earned him both the ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ awards.

The series also saw the debut of four South African players, all of whom made meaningful contributions, highlighting the team’s depth and emerging talent.