South Africa pull off thriller to clinch T20 Series

Tags: New Zealand v South Africa 3rd T20I at Auckland - Feb 22, 2012, South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2011-12, Johan Botha, Jesse Daniel Ryder

Published on: Feb 22, 2012

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

New Zealand Vs South Africa, 3rd T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, Feb 22, 2012: Match Highlights

South Africa pulled off an incredible 3-run win in the third and final T20I against hosts New Zealand at the Eden Park in Auckland. Chasing a modest target of 166 from 20 overs, the hosts were cruising along at 142 for 4 in 15.2 overs before dramatically going down.

The Kiwis needed just the 7 runs to win from the last over of the match which was given to the tall fast bowler Marchant de Lange. However, the hosts made a mess of it despite having five wickets in hand at that stage! In the end, they made it into a difficult equation of six to win from the final ball. Yet there was hope as Marchant de Lange overstepped to bowl a noball and concede a free hit with the Kiwis needing four to win from 1 ball. The fast bowler held his nerve to beat the bat of Tim Southee to bowl the Proteas to a close win.

Johan Botha got the Man of the Match awardEarlier in the match, the Kiwis won the toss and put South Africa to bat first. The visitors were restricted to 165 for 7 with the top score coming in from JP Duminy (38 from 20 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes). Swing bowler Tim Southee did well for the hosts with figures of 4-0-22-2.

The Kiwis in their chase got a splendid start of 65 for 1 in 6 overs from Rob Nicol (33 from 19 balls with 5 fours and a six) and Martin Guptill (26 from 19 balls with 3 fours and a six). Jesse Ryder in his comeback innings scored a superb 52 from 42 balls (with 5 fours and 2 sixes) before throwing his wicket in the 19th over just when the Kiwis were inching towards a certain victory.

The Man of the Match award went to Johan Botha who took 2 for 20 in 4 overs which also included the crucial wicket of Jesse Ryder. South Africa with this 3-run victory have clinched the 3-match series 2-1.

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