AB de Villiers’s explosive performance in the final 10 overs was the highlight for the Proteas in Hamilton.

When De Villiers arrived at the crease, the Proteas were battling to score runs. The situation was exacerbated when Faf du Plessis, David Miller, and Dwaine Pretorius departed in quick succession, and the Proteas were reduced to 158-6 at the end of the 37th over.

After a period of consolidation, De Villiers began to take control. South Africa scored 106 runs in the last 10 overs of their innings.

Yet, it was only in the final five where they really put the New Zealanders to the sword. The Proteas piled on 72 runs during this period. De Villiers was responsible for 31 of those runs.

In the end, the Proteas skipper finished on 72 not out, an innings that included four 4s and three 6s. At the time, it appeared as if this incredible effort had swung the contest in South Africa’s favour.

However, the Proteas bowlers failed to contain the New Zealand batsmen, and Martin Guptill went on to smash a game-winning knock of 180.

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images