In a high-scoring contest where chasing had been the trend, Henry became the difference-maker as the Kiwis successfully defended 181 \u2013 the only successful defense at this venue during the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa, powered by a blazing 92-run opening stand between Reeza Hendricks and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, looked on course for victory at 92\/0 in the 10th over. Pretorius was particularly impressive, striking a 33-ball fifty that included powerful hits over long-on and midwicket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, once Jacob Duffy dismissed Hermann and Adam Milne removed Rassie van der Dussen, the Proteas\u2019 momentum dipped, losing 4 for 39 and leaving them with 50 runs to get from the last 29 balls.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dewald Brevis and George Linde then launched a counterattack, stitching a 43-run partnership off 25 balls to bring South Africa back into the game. With just seven needed off the final over, Henry bowled a brilliant spell under pressure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He dismissed Brevis for 31 with a well-directed short ball that found Michael Bracewell at deep midwicket, before sending Linde back for 22 with a slower delivery that was caught by Daryl Mitchell at long-on. Senruan Muthusamy needed a boundary off the last ball but missed a slower yorker, sealing the game and the series for New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, New Zealand\u2019s innings of 180\/5 was built on a solid 75-run opening partnership between Tim Seifert (30) and Devon Conway (47). Rachin Ravindra added flair with a quickfire 47 off 27 balls, including two sixes off Senruan Muthusamy. However, South Africa\u2019s bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi (4-0-24-1), kept the death overs tight, conceding just three boundaries in the last three overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He dismissed Brevis for 31 with a well-directed short ball that found Michael Bracewell at deep midwicket, before sending Linde back for 22 with a slower delivery that was caught by Daryl Mitchell at long-on. Senruan Muthusamy needed a boundary off the last ball but missed a slower yorker, sealing the game and the series for New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brief scores: New Zealand 180\/5 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 47, Devin Conway 47; Lungi Ngidi 2\/24, Senuran Muthusamy 1\/27) beat South Africa 177\/6 in 29 overs (Lhuan-dre-Pretorius 51, Reeza Hendricks 37; Matt Henry 2\/19, Michael Bracewell 1\/29) by three runs<\/p>\r\n\r\n