PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Henry Davids hit his second successive half-century and Aaron Phangiso took crucial wickets as South Africa beat New Zealand by 33 runs in the series-deciding third and final Twenty20 international.
Davids struck 68 at St George’s Park in a South African total of 179 for six and Phangiso dismissed New Zealand’s big guns, Martin Guptill and captain Brendon McCullum, in successive overs, effectively ending the touring team’s challenge.
New Zealand finished with 146 for nine.
“South Africa played a very good game,” said McCullum. “There were some clutch moments and they stood up and applied some pressure. Against a good side, they expose you. We weren’t quite at our best but throughout the series we’ve seen some improvements and we can take some heart out of the series.”
The slightly-built Davids, who made his debut in the first match of the series, hit seven fours and two sixes in a 51-ball innings. A third wicket stand of 89 off 61 balls with Justin Ontong (48) enabled South Africa to overcome a poor start.
Left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan was again the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, taking two for 24 off four overs.
McClenaghan, originally picked only for the Twenty20 series, will stay on to replace the injured Tim Southee in a two-match Test series starting in Cape Town on January 2.
Doug Bracewell also took two wickets. AFP
