South Africa celebrates thier nail-biting victory

The contest was fully in Blackcaps’ control and were needed just 10 runs off last two overs with six wickets in hand to chase-down the target of 166. However Proteas won the battle of nerves and restricted hosts to just 162.

Off-spinner Johan Botha was handed the ball for the penultimate over and he vindicated the decision by allowing just three runs in the over and claimed the key wicket of well-set Jesse Ryder who had scored 52 off 42 balls.

Scoring seven runs with five wickets in hand was even not a tough task for hosts but promising rookie fast bowler Marchant de Lange, collecting two wickets, conceded just three runs off the last over to demonstrate that everything could be possible in the game of gentlemen.

New Zealand VS South Africa: Nicol Gupitll added 65 runs

Rob Nicol (33) and Martin Guptill (26) set a strong platform for New Zealand chase with a blistering 65-run opening partnership off the six overs but their dismissals in successive overs slowed-down hosts’ progress.

Ryder and skipper Brendon McCullum (18) stitched up 39 runs for the third wicket to settle down the chase before losing four wickets in quick succession.

Ryder, making a stunning comeback to the international setup after three-month ouster due to injury, plundered fifty off 37 deliveries. His overall knock was laced with five boundaries and two sixes.

De Lange, Morne Morkel and Botha all claimed two wickets apiece for tourists.

New Zealand VS South Africa: Parnell slammed 22 off 17 balls

Earlier, JP Duminy scored 38 and Hashim Amla hit 33 as South Africa managed 165-7.

Justifying skipper McCullum’s decision to bowl first, New Zealand pacers made early inroads to squeeze 3-59 in seven overs before Duminy and skipper AB de Villiers (29) added quick-fire 62 runs for fourth wicket to put South Africa in a comfortable position.

Wayne Parnell plundered 22 off 17 balls to give late thrust to the scoreboard.

The three-match one-day international series between the two sides will get underway from February 25 in Wellington.

New Zealand VS South Africa 3rd T20 Scorecard