Matt Henry hailed New Zealand's bravery after they clinched a dramatic last-gasp victory over South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series final.
New Zealand had set a target of 181 after batting first, and the Proteas had looked likely to catch it after strong starts from Luhan-dre Pretorius and Reeza Hendricks.
However, after the loss of Rassie van der Dussen and Rubin Hermann on back-to-back balls to stop their momentum late on, Henry (2-19) dismissed Dewald Brevis and George Lind in the final over, leaving South Africa needing a four on the final ball.
Senuran Muthusamy could not make contact with Henry's delivery, though, handing the victory to the Black Caps.
As such, New Zealand ended a run of three straight defeats in T20I tournament finals, and Henry, who was named the Player of the Match and the Series, was delighted with the team's performance.
"As a group, we have been playing some really good cricket," he said. "To get over the line, in a tight game, really proud of the guys.
"I knew it was going to be one of the last two [overs that he bowled]. Great to get the last one, and when it goes your way, it is brilliant.
"It is great to come here and stepping towards what is a big year of T20 cricket - a World Cup coming up and a big home series as well. The way guys are being brave with their skill set - that is what we have been asking of people, and hopefully we can build on that."
South Africa suffered a third consecutive loss to New Zealand in T20Is, their longest such losing streak against them.
It was also their fourth consecutive loss in the format at a neutral venue, their longest such streak in history.
Despite suffering defeat, captain Van der Dussen remained positive and shared his pride over South Africa's achievements in the tournament.
"Really proud of that performance. Played a pretty good game, did everything we asked the guys to do," he said. "It is a game of millimetres. Seven off six, we needed a centimetre more [with that Brevis six].
"From the outset, the whole series was about trying things and experimenting a bit, settling on our strongest possible combination. We played a pretty good game.
"They [New Zealand] are a good and experienced team. For the young guys to come this close, they will learn a lot from it. Everyone has contributed, especially the young guys. A lot of guys are not here and resting.
"Young guys putting their hand up, saying they want to be a part of this team - that is always a good place to be in. We have grown a lot as a team."
