Welcome to the highlights of New Zealand vs South Africa - The 7th match of the 1997-98 Carlton & United Series triangular One-Day International cricket tournament between New Zealand and South Africa was played at Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane on January 09, 1998.
Match Overview:
All-rounder Lance Klusener take a difficult running catch on the boundary off last-ball of the match as South Africa pulled off a thrilling 2-run victory over New Zealand, despite Chris Cairns and Adam Parore's fightback in a nail-biting seventh match of a Carlton and United Series.
Match Stats:
- South Africa's 2-run win was their third smallest victory by terms of runs in one-day international and It is their second narrowest win by terms-of-runs against New Zealand in ODIs after their 1-run win at Hobart earlier in this tournament's fifth match.
- Gary Kirsten became the second South African batsman to score a century against New Zealand in ODIs after Dave Callaghan.
- Gary Kirsten's 103 was his eighth highest score for South Africa in one-day international and the second highest-score by an South African batsman against New Zealand in ODIs after Dave Callaghan's unbeaten 169 at Centurion in the 1994 Mandela Trophy.
- Gary Kirsten became the first South African batsman to scored eight centuries in ODI cricket history.
Match Report:
South Africa defeated New Zealand by two runs off the last ball of their World Series match after equalling the record for the highest limited overs total ever amassed at the Gabba.
In a thrilling finish, Lance Klusener held a difficult running catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary to deny a spirited New Zealand.
Seemingly set for an easy victory after amassing a massive 300 for six in their 50 overs, South Africa endured a few nervous moments before New Zealand's innings ended on 298 for nine.
Both sides were given a standing ovation as the exhausted players walked off . the field after Klusener was swamped by jubilant and relieved team mates. Needing three runs for victory off the last ball from fast bowler Shaun Pollock, pace bowler Dion Nash was unable to find the boundary.
Nash, who scored 38, came desperately close to tying the scores off the previous ball when his sweep to fine leg landed on the boundary rope.
After checking a television replay, the umpires signalled a boundary rather than the six Nash would have earned if the ball had carried just a few cen-timetres further.
Left-handed opener Gary Kirsten established the tone for South Africa's big innings by hitting 103 from 113 balls, including nine fours.
On a night of high-scoring, South Africa were grateful to fast bowler Allan Donald who took four for 43 in his 10 overs.
In his final spell on a hot and humid night, Donald turned pale and collapsed to the ground in sheer exhaustion, needing several minutes' rest before resuming.
Kirsten's eighth one-day hundred for his country laid the foundation for the innings, while captain Hansie Cronje and opener Klusener both added rapid half-centuries.
After New Zealand were reduced for 124 for six. their hopes were revived by a stirring 67 from wicketkeeper Adam Parore and 64 from Chris Cairns.
South Africa lead the triangular competition with eight points from five games, four points clear of hosts Australia, who have a game in hand.
New Zealand prop up the table with two points from five matches.
In-Depth Match Highlights:
South Africa scored massive total of 300-6 in 50 overs with top scorer by Gary Kirsten cracked a 103 off 113-balls - which was his 8th ODI hundred and his first century against New Zealand in ODIs.
Hansie Cronje blasted a 55 off 47-balls including 2-sixes & a four, Lance Klusener struck 50 off 55-balls included 8-fours, Jacques Kallis hit 50 off 55-balls contained 8-fours and Jonty Rhodes scored 23 off 21-balls contained a six.
New Zealand best bowler by Craig McMillan, Chris Harris both took 2-wickets and one for Daniel Vettori - Dion Nash.
New Zealand scored 298-9 in 50 overs with top scorer by Adam Parore blasted a 67 off 46-balls including 5-fours & a six with strike rate of 145.65.
Chris Cairns hammered a 64 off 53-balls including 4-sixes & 2-fours with strike rate of 120.75, Matt Horne cracked a 42 off 66-balls included 3-fours.
Dion Nash struck 38 off 31-balls including 2-fours and Nathan Astle cracked a 29 off 45-balls included 2-fours.
South Africa best bowler by Allan Donald claimed a 4-wickets for 43-runs in 10-overs including a maiden, Jacques Kallis and Shaun Pollock both took 2-wickets.
Gary Kirsten named Player of the match for his classy batting performance to scored a 103-runs knocked off facing 113-balls including 9-fours.
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