Proteas claim last-ball thriller

South Africa have won the Twenty20 series in New Zealand after the hosts failed to capitalise on a great position and lost by three runs.

The visitors' 7-165 was less than expected on the small Eden Park and New Zealand got their run chase off to a great start, with Martin Guptill and Robert Nicol combining for 55 runs off the first five overs.

With six overs to go, New Zealand looked to be in control and in prime position to win the match and the series, requiring just less than a run a ball to win.

But tight bowling from Johan Botha (2-20) and Morne Morkel (2-31) slowed down New Zealand who were eventually restricted to 7-162.

The hosts failed to score seven off the last over, despite having a free hit on the last ball of the innings, as South Africa claimed victory.

Earlier in the match, the visitors failed to capitalise on the ground's short boundaries during their 20 overs.

South Africa's opening batsmen Hashim Amla and Richard Levi started solidly but never increased the tempo and, thanks to New Zealand taking regular wickets, the visitors struggled to get the run rate above 10 an over throughout their innings.

JP Duminy top-scored for South Africa with 38 runs, just ahead of Amla (33), while Tim Southee was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers (2-22 off four overs).

For New Zealand, Jesse Ryder top-scored with 52 runs before being caught off Botha's bowling.

South Africa's three-run victory means the visiting side have won the Twenty20 series 2-1.