A six from Ryan McLaren off the final delivery and a rapid 116 by Graeme Smith helped South Africa to a thrilling one-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third one-day international on Friday.
The Proteas, who came into the game having already lost the three-match series 2-0, had been set a target of 261 after half-centuries from Grant Elliott (54), Colin Munro (57) and James Franklin (53 not out) had steered New Zealand to 260 for nine in their 50 overs. Man-of-the-match Smith's knock seemed to have put the home side on course for victory but a lower-order collapse meant they required three off the final delivery with just one wicket in hand. However, a six over fine leg from all-rounder McLaren (25 not out) gave South Africa their first victory of the series and ensured they avoided a whitewash. New Zealand had already claimed their first ODI series on South African soil but still went wholeheartedly for the final victory as they won the toss and elected to bat.
The Proteas, who came into the game having already lost the three-match series 2-0, had been set a target of 261 after half-centuries from Grant Elliott (54), Colin Munro (57) and James Franklin (53 not out) had steered New Zealand to 260 for nine in their 50 overs. Man-of-the-match Smith's knock seemed to have put the home side on course for victory but a lower-order collapse meant they required three off the final delivery with just one wicket in hand. However, a six over fine leg from all-rounder McLaren (25 not out) gave South Africa their first victory of the series and ensured they avoided a whitewash. New Zealand had already claimed their first ODI series on South African soil but still went wholeheartedly for the final victory as they won the toss and elected to bat.