Lungi Ngidi surpasses Dale Steyn to become South Africa's third-highest wicket-taker in T20Is

South African speedster Lungi Ngidi has surpassed legendary pacer Dale Steyn to become the third-highest wicket-taker for the Proteas in T20Is. He reached the milestone during the second match of the Tri-Series against New Zealand, where he picked up a key wicket.

Ngidi now has 65 wickets in T20Is, achieving the feat in just 45 matches, two fewer than Steyn, who reached the same mark in 47 games. Leading the list is left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi with 89 wickets from 70 matches, followed by pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada with 71 wickets in 65 games.

Ngidi surpassed Steyn by dismissing New Zealand opener Tim Seifert. Seifert, who looked in good touch early on, was deceived by a well-disguised slower cutter from Ngidi in the third over. Misjudging the pace, he mistimed his shot, and Senuran Muthusamy completed a straightforward catch.

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As for the match, Tim Robinson’s unbeaten 75-run knock proved decisive, supported by a strong bowling effort from Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Ish Sodhi, as New Zealand defeated South Africa by 21 runs. Henry and Duffy picked up three wickets each, while Sodhi contributed with two.

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Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. New Zealand lost both openers during the powerplay—Seifert departed for 22 off 16 balls, followed shortly by Devon Conway.

A gritty half-century from Robinson and a late cameo from Bevon Jacobs powered New Zealand to a competitive total of 173/5 in their 20 overs. South Africa fell short in the chase, giving the Kiwis a well-earned victory in the second match of the Tri-Series.

Playing XIs:
 
New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.