All-rounder Lance Klusener led from the front when South Africa beat New Zealand by one run in an ODI back in 1997.

It was the fifth game in the Carlton and United series also including Australia and a victory which ultimately helped South Africa reach the final of the series.

The Proteas batted first but almost all the batsmen struggled, except Klusener who got run-out for 37 and Jacques Kallis, who top-scored with 45.

A 31-run knock by Shaun Pollock, batting at No 9, helped South Africa reach 174 in their 50 overs, but they needed a good bowling performance in order to defend their low score.

Watching New Zealand score 100 in 35 overs was like watching a dentist pull teeth, and they seemed to be right out of it at 111-7. But Chris Harris and Daniel Vettori whittled the target down to 35 off five overs, 16 off two and six off the final ball – which Harris edged for four.

South Africa’s unsung hero was wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, who moved smartly to stop two edges sneaking by in the last three overs. Had either passed him, they would probably have lost. Klusener not only contributed with the bat, but also claimed bowling figures of 3-46 in 10 overs to receive the Man-of-the-Match award.

Picture: Action Photographics