Dwaine Pretorius hit 50 runs off 27 balls for the Proteas in a losing cause in Christchurch.

The second ODI between New Zealand and South Africa appeared to be over as a contest when Proteas skipper AB de Villiers departed with the score at 199-6. Things went from bad to worse in the next four overs, and soon enough, Pretorius found himself needing to take all the responsibility with the visitors staring down the barrel at 214-8.

With the help of Andile Phehlukwayo, the hero of the first ODI in Hamilton, Pretorius endeavoured to perform a miracle. The lower-order batsman took the fight to the Kiwi bowlers, and the hosts began to panic. Pretorius was dropped by Trent Boult on 15 and that missed chance so nearly cost New Zealand the game.

Pretorius finished with 50 runs off 27 balls. That whirlwind of an innings included four 4s and two 6s.

Pretorius was also the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with figures of 2-40. Every other bowler conceded more than five-and-a-half runs an over.

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Photo: Marty Mellville/AFP/Getty Images