Ross Taylor became New Zealand's most prolific century-maker in limited-overs cricket as he inspired a series-levelling six-run win over South Africa in the second one-day international in Christchurch.
The 32-year-old's unbeaten 102, comprising of eight fours, also saw him become his country's quickest batsman to 6,000 runs.
His 110-ball innings was a 17th ODI ton, overtaking Nathan Astle in the all-time list, and helped the Black Caps to 289 for four off their 50 overs, before South Africa fell just short with 283 for nine in their response.
Taylor was the mainstay of New Zealand's innings, arriving at the crease in the 12th over, but it was far from fluent, with Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham adding the dynamism to the proceedings.
Skipper Williamson hit six fours in his 75-ball 69 while Neesham also crossed the boundary six times in his unbeaten 71, which came off 57 balls and provided the hosts with some much-needed momentum at the end of the innings.
South Africa, who won the opening match at the weekend with a ball to spare, were given a platform in their response by Quinton de Kock's 57 at the top of the order, but, despite the rest of the top six getting into double figures, none of them could go on to make a big score.
When captain AB de Villiers was caught behind for 45, with his side still needing 91 to win, the tourists' chance appeared over, especially after a flurry of late wickets, until Dwaine Pretorius kicked into action.
The all-rounder, who had earlier taken two for 40 off his 10 overs, clubbed two sixes - the only two of the match - and four fours to go to a 27-ball half-century and take his side to within 15 of an unlikely victory.
However, he could not see the job through as Trent Boult, who took three for 63, bowled him in the penultimate over and New Zealand just survived a thrilling finish.
Source: PA
