Auckland: Marchant de Lange took two wickets in a final over on Wednesday that conceded only three runs as South Africa blunted New Zealand's run chase to win the third Twenty20 international by three runs and take the series 2-1.
New Zealand started the last over needing seven runs with five wickets in hand to overhaul South Africa's total of 165-7, but foundered spectacularly to finish on 162-7 for one of its most embarrassing international defeats.
Even a no-ball by De Lange from the last delivery of the innings couldn't save New Zealand. When he overstepped, the New Zealanders needed a four from the last ball to win the match and series.
But Tim Southee, newly at the crease and facing his first ball, played and missed outside off stump.
Brief scores
South Africa 165 for 7 (Duminy 38, Nicol 2-20)
New Zealand 162 for 7 (Ryder 52, Botha 2-20)
Result South Africa won by three runs
MOM Johan Botha (South Africa)