23 November 2007

New Zealand 129 for 7 (Mills 33no, Pollock 3-28)
South Africa131 for 7 (De Villiers 52no) in Johannesburg
South Africa won the one-off Twenty20 International by three wickets

AB De Villiers scored his maiden half-century in Twenty20 international cricket as South Africa scored a nervy three-wicket win over New Zealand in Johannesburg.

Chasing a modest target of 130, South Africa stuttered their way to victory after Jean-Paul Duminy (33) had blazed away early on to offset the early loss of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith.

De Villiers was dropped on ten, and went on to take full advantage, despite South Africa losing wickets regularly as they struggled against Kiwi spinners Dan Vettori and Jeetan Patel.

The game was finally sealed in the final over when Johan Botha flicked Kyle Mills for four through midwicket.

Mills, who was guilty of dropping De Villiers, had earlier struck an unbeaten 33 to bolster New Zealand's innings after they had themselves lost wickets regularly.

Scott Styris hit 30 from 27 balls as their innings limped along mainly thanks to Shaun Pollock taking three wickets on his international comeback and Albie Morkel taking two for 29.

© Cricket World 2007

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