Proteas claim ODI series 2-1 to climb ahead of New Zealand in the one-day rankings
De Villiers stars as South Africa beat NZ
AB de Villiers has hit a rapid 64 to help South Africa gain a series-clinching 62-run win in the third and final one-day international against New Zealand in Kingsmead.
The victory enabled South Africa to leapfrog New Zealand into third place in the world one-day rankings, behind Australia and India.
It also provided a measure of revenge for their heartbreaking defeat to the Kiwis in the World Cup semi-final earlier this year.
De Villiers’s innings came off 48 balls, enabling South Africa to reach 7-283 on a pitch which offered some assistance to the seam bowlers throughout the match.
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AB de Villiers played a match-winning knock // Getty Images
New Zealand were bowled out for 221 in reply.
New Zealand lost key batsman Martin Guptill early, caught behind off Dale Steyn, but a partnership of 84 off 118 balls between Tom Latham and captain Kane Williamson kept them in contention.
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Both batsmen, however, were dismissed in the space of 15 deliveries.
Williamson was bowled for 39 when he charged down the pitch and missed a straight ball from leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
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Kane Williamson plays a shot // Getty Images
Latham completed his third successive half-century but was run out for 54 by a direct hit from backward square leg by David Miller.
With the required run rate climbing, New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals, with Proteas medium-pacer David Wiese taking 3-58.
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"The first two games were roller-coaster rides but we showed our commitment and resilience tonight," said De Villiers.
"We had to work hard to get our runs and all the bowlers did really well."
Williamson said his team's bowling effort had been 'steady'.
"The batting never gained momentum and we never got ahead of the game at any stage."
New Zealand were missing several of their leading players during the tour, which also encompassed one-day and Twenty20 series in Zimbabwe.
"Overall this tour has been of great benefit," said Williamson.
"A bunch of individuals got a lot out of it."