Hodge's heroics and a T20 record

Australian veteran Brad Hodge has continued to defy his age, blasting a match-winning 84 not out from just 42 balls in New Zealand's Twenty20 competition.

But the 39-year-old's innings in Auckland was overshadowed by a world record bowling performance on the other side of the globe.

South African Chris Morris produced the extraordinary figures of 2-2 from four overs, including three maidens, as his Highveld Lions secured a bonus-point victory over the Cape Cobras in Johannesburg.

Morris's performance was the most economical four-over spell in the history of Twenty20 cricket, beating the previous record of three runs that was held by Zulfiqar Babar, Shoaib Malik and Sunil Narine.

The medium-pacer, who has played five one-day internationals and two T20s for his country, helped his Lions restrict the Cobras to 9-94 in their pursuit of 141 for victory.

Twenty-three of the 24 balls Morris bowled were dot balls, with the two runs conceded off the third delivery of his third over the only blemish.

Having opened the bowling and started with a maiden - which included a leg-bye - Morris dismissed Richard Levi in his second over to end his first spell with figures of 1-0 from two overs.

He returned in the 17th over, dismissing George Linde and conceding two runs in his third over before finishing the innings with another maiden, which included a run out.

The Lions' victory, which came without star opener Chris Gayle who missed the match with a back injury, handed them a three-point lead at the top of the RAM SLAM T20 table with a game in hand.

In New Zealand, Hodge's batting masterclass led Wellington to a six-wicket win over Auckland.

Chasing 175 for victory at Eden Park, the Firebirds looked to have the odds stacked against them when they were reduced to 4-64 in the 10th over.

But the Adelaide Strikers recruit hit a whirlwind innings to carry them home with an over to spare.

He had a reprieve on 49 when he was given out caught at long-off, but he successfully appealed that the delivery was a no-ball as it was a full-toss above waist height.

The veteran went on to smash a total of 14 boundaries, getting the winning runs with his seventh six.

Auckland, sent in to bat, posted 7-174, Colin Munro top-scoring with 52 from 24 balls.

The Aces' loss was their first of the season and keeps them third on the table, while Wellington climb up one spot to fourth.