South Africa beat New Zealand by a single run to win Group D at the Twenty20 World Cup at Lord’s on Tuesday.
Both sides had already qualified for the Super Eight but didn’t let up as South Africa successfully defended the lowest total in a Twenty20 international.
The Africans made a modest 128-7 from their 20 overs, but a miserly spell from Roelof van der Merwe, who took 2-14 from his four overs, restricted the Kiwis to 127-5.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith believed the experience would serve his side well in the Super Eights.
Ian Butler was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 2-13.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum – standing in for the injured Daniel Vettori – made 57, but his side’s run chase was hindered by the early losses of Martin Guptil (6), caught by Van der Merwe off Dale Steyn, and Neil Broom (1), who offered a return catch to Kallis.
Ross Taylor suffered a suspected hamstring injury as he narrowly avoided being run out and needed to bat with a runner, but he put on a half-century stand with McCullum before he was bowled for 22 by Van der Merwe.
