South Africa win one-day thriller
From BBC News Online: Sport, Friday, January 9, 1998

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 challenge.

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 centimetres 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.

South Africa Innings: *G Kirsten c Nash b Harris 103 *L Klusener b Nash 50 *J H Kallis c Parore b Vettori 31 *W J Cronje c Harris b McMillan 55 *H H Gibbs lbw Harris 2 *J N Rhodes c Nash b McMillan 23 *P L Symcox not out 14 *S M Pollock not out 12

Extras (lb5, w5) 10 Total (6 wickets, 50 overs Innings Closed) 300

New Zealand Innnings: *C M Spearman c Symcox b Pollock 11 *N J Astle c Richardson b Donald 29 *M J Horne c McMillan b Kallis 42 *S P Fleming c Richardson b Donald 2 *C D McMillan c Richardson b Donald 4 *C Z Harris c McMillan b Kallis 10 *C L Cairns run out 64 *A C Parore c Symcox b Donald 67 *D J Nash c Klusener b Pollock 38 *D L Vettori not out 11

Extras (3b, 11lb, 4w, 2nb) 20 Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) 298

[Articles]