EAST LONDON, South Africa: Martin Guptill hit a thrilling century to clinch a last-ball, eight-wicket victory for New Zealand in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at Buffalo Park yesterday.
Guptill finished with 101 not out off 69 balls, hitting the last ball of the match from Rory Kleinveldt over cover for four to enable New Zealand to reach a target of 169 in a match reduced to 19 overs a side because of a floodlight failure.
The result enabled New Zealand to level the three-match series.
He became the second New Zealander -- after captain Brendon McCullum -- to hit a century in a Twenty20 international.
He had some good fortune in a frantic finish in yesterday’s play in South Afirca.
He was caught off Ryan McLaren when he was on 87 but gained a reprieve when the delivery was no-balled because it was too high.
Two runs later he hit a ball from Morne Morkel high in the air towards point but Robin Peterson put down the chance.
South Africa scored 165 for five after a floodlight failure caused a 50-minute delay.
Henry Davids hit 55 and captain Faf du Plessis made 63 for South Africa.
Du Plessis, who made his runs off 43 balls, shared partnerships of 68 for the second wicket with Davids and 79 for the third wicket with David Miller, who hit 33 off 18 deliveries.
Davids made a maiden fifty before falling to a sensational catch by Jimmy Neesham, running back and diving full length to hold a lofted drive just inside the long-off boundary. AFP
