Feb 22 (Reuters) – South Africa clinched the Twenty20
international series against New Zealand after Marchant de Lange
claimed two wickets in an eventful final over to seal a
thrilling three-run victory in the third and final match in
Auckland on Wednesday.
Having restricted South Africa to a modest 165 for seven at
Eden Park, New Zealand cruised to 65 without loss inside six
overs but a middle order collapse eventually left them needing
seven runs off the last over with five wickets in hand.
Playing in his second Twenty20 international, 21-year-old de
Lang conceded a single off the first delivery of the final over
but removed Nathan McCullum and Doug Bracewell for ducks with
the third and fifth deliveries.
Needing six off the last delivery, New Zealand were handed a
break as de Lange delivered a front-foot no-ball, which James
Franklin scored a single off.
A four off the last ball would have sealed victory for the
hosts but Tim Southee could not even make contact with the
free-hit delivery which de Lang fired past his off-stump.
For New Zealand, Jesse Ryder top scored with 52 but Rob
Nicol was the top performer, claiming two wickets, taking as
many catches and assisting in a crucial run out before returning
to hit a brisk 33.
Earlier put into bat, South Africa found going tough against
New Zealand’s disciplined bowlers and rode on cameos from JP
Duminy (38), Hashim Amla (33) and skipper AB de Villiers (29) to
reach 165 for seven wickets.
Opener Richard Levi (11), who blasted the fastest Twenty20
international century in the previous match, could not replicate
his Hamilton performance while Albie Morkel (10) failed to
justify his promotion to the number three slot.
Duminy looked in great touch but was unfortunate to be run
out when he backed up too far at the non-striker’s end and
bowler Nicol collected the de Villiers straight drive and
whipped off the bails.
Continued…
