South Africa v New Zealand, 2012-13

New Zealand's victory was little less than heroic, cricket's answer to the Rocky movies. They hauled themselves off the canvas while many were heading for the exit, so safe did South Africa seem. New Zealand were 105 for seven halfway through their chase, and aggrieved that Brendon McCullum had been denied the chance to review his lbw dismissal by a power blackout - triggered when host broadcasters SuperSport lost the use of their generator and apparently tried to plug into the stadium's power supply. Sensing South Africa's desire to get it over with, Franklin tormented the bowlers through exaggerated caution, at times looking like he was trying not to score - and his obduracy began to pay off. South Africa conceded 15 in wides, ten from Kleinveldt, who failed dismally to control the reverse swing. Franklin added 35 with Nathan McCullum, 47 with Mills, then an unbroken 22 with McClenaghan, who wasn't even required to score. McClenaghan had led New Zealand's attack smartly in his fourth international appearance, while Williamson enhanced his reputation as a partnership-breaker. The South African innings escaped tedium when Kleinveldt struck Mills for three sixes in the 46th over, but the lack of entertainment extended into the run-chase, when South Africa fell 30 minutes behind on the over-rate; de Villiers was banned for the rest of the series, and his team-mates lost their match fees. Like a funeral, there was drama in this game, but it wasn't much fun.