By BV Swagath
South Africa captured the 3-match T20I Series 2-1 after defeating New Zealand by a comprehensive margin of 33 runs in the final match at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. Henry Davids scored a second consecutive fifty for the Proteas who batted the Kiwis out of the contest by putting up a huge total of 179 for 6 in 20 overs. New Zealand lost steam in their run chase to come a distant second with a total of 146 for 9.
Henry Davids scored 68 from 51 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes while taking the Proteas to a strong position along with Justin Ontong, who scored 48 from 30 balls (with a four and 3 sixes). David Miller with 28 from 15 balls and Farhaan Behardien with 22 from 11 balls provided the final sparks for the Proteas.
New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals and at 60 for 4 inside 10 overs having lost the two big wickets of Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill had no chance of putting up any contest. Ryan McLaren and left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso picked up three wickets each for the hosts. The Man of the Match award went to the diminutive opening batsman Henry Davids.