Andile Phehlukwayo’s six in the final over of the first ODI was what swung the result in the Proteas’ favour.
Chris Morris’s departure appeared to mark the beginning of the end for the Proteas in Hamilton. At that stage, South Africa were still 52 runs shy of the target with only 44 balls remaining.
While many would have backed AB de Villiers to produce something special in such a situation, few would have expected miracles from the 20-year-old Phehlukwayo. Yet, both De Villiers and Phehlukwayo fought hard against some excellent New Zealand bowling to ensure that the Proteas needed 12 runs off the final over.
Most will remember the shot that won the game for the Proteas. The visitors needed two runs off the last two balls, and De Villiers proceeded to smash Tim Southee back over his head for four.
However, it was the youngster who played the shot which changed the complexion of that final over. All the pressure was on Phehlukwayo as Southee raced in. The left-handed batsmen made enough contact to clear the boundary rope, and ultimately ensure that South Africa needed just three runs from the remaining four deliveries.