Proteas take dramatic one wicket win over Black Caps

Ryan McLaren's hit a six from the final ball of the match to secure South Africa a dramatic one wicket win over the Black Caps in the third and final one day cricket international in Potchefstroom.

Needing three runs from James Franklin's final delivery, McLaren has cleared the rope at backward square leg.

He's finished 25 not out.

Graeme Smith guided South Africa to the verge of victory by scoring 116 opening the batting.

Franklin, Kyle Mills, Kane Williamson and Mitchell McClenaghan took two wickets each for the Black Caps.

New Zealand earlier posted 260 for nine after winning the toss and batting first, with Grant Elliott, Colin Munro and Franklin scoring half centuries.

The Black Caps have won the series 2-1.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is mindful of the bigger picture.

"Yeah it is a disappointment, (because) obviously it would've been great to have won 3-nil, but I guess winning the series and achieving what we've achieved in this series, and even the way we played today as well, I think we showed the characteristics again that we want to be known for."

Veteran seam bowler Kyle Mills has told Newstalk ZB they've shown what New Zealand teams of the past were known for.

"I think throughout all three games they've shown (an) immense amount of character. At stages when we got out of the game, we fought our way back into it."

The Black Caps now return home to face England, with the first Twenty20 international in a fortnight.

Photo: Getty Images