Proteas beat New Zealand by 3 runs in a nerve-cracking final Twenty20

New Zealand Star (ANI) Wednesday 22nd February, 2012

South Africa has won the three-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand 2-1, beating New Zealand by three runs in a thrilling final in Auckland.

The Kiwis had earlier won the toss and elected to field first .The Proteas scored 165 for 7 in their 20 overs with JP Duminy (39) and Hashim Amla (33) leading the way.

Tim Southee and Rob Nicol picked up two wickets apiece for the Black Caps.

While chasing the target, the Black Caps were in a strong position at one point, going well at 112 for 2 with every chance of victory, but failed to capitalize thereafter.

Jesse Ryder top scored for the Kiwis with 52 of 42 balls, while opener Rob Nicol made 33 of 19 deliveries.

Ryder's wicket in the dying stages of the match proved to be the turning point in the game, as the remaining Kiwi batsmen collapsed under pressure.

Johan Botha (2/20) was adjudged man of the match for his disciplined. (ANI)