Cricket: Ryder cost NZ the match - McMillan

Jesse Ryder top scored for New Zealand with 52 from 42 balls. Photo / Getty Images

A former Black Cap says Jesse Ryder cost New Zealand victory in the third and final Twenty20 against South Africa last night after putting himself in front of the team.

The Black Caps lost the Twenty20 decider by three runs at Eden Park after collapsing from a comfortable position - needing 17 runs from the final four overs with six wickets in hand.

Former international Craig McMillan says Ryder's quest for a single to bring up his third Twenty20 half century, which saw him go nine balls without scoring, hurt New Zealand's momentum and is the reason why the Black Caps lost.

"I've gone through it last night, the reasons why I thought we lost, and when you need 16 runs off four overs, which is 24 deliveries, you do it in a canter. You basically get bat on ball and you win easily," McMillan told Radiosport.

"The reason New Zealand lost their momentum in those last four overs is because Jesse Ryder was trying to get one run for his 50, it took nine deliveries to get that one run. It's always dangerous when you put yourself ahead of the team and I think that's what Jesse Ryder did last night."

Ryder, who was returning to the New Zealand side after a calf injury layoff, cruised to 48 from just 27 balls after hitting two sixes and five fours.

However he looked to lose his rhythm once he got to 49 and eventually brought up his half century before giving up a soft dismissal by attempting a scoop shot which lofted straight into the hands of short fine leg.

McMillan said while other New Zealand batsmen had chances to win the match, the defeat falls squarely Ryder's shoulders.

"Yes the others had opportunities to win the game in terms of Franklin, Southee, Bracewell, Nathan McCullum, will all be disappointed they didn't bring New Zealand home. But the reason that New Zealand were put in that position last night was because of Jesse Ryder's selfishness in trying to get to 50," McMillan added.

"He changed the way he was batting. As soon as he got to 49 he took nine balls trying to get a single. He actually took about six trying to get a single and then he hit the fielder and thought 'Well I better hit one out of the park because this just isn't working for me'. There was a couple of swings and misses and all of a sudden New Zealand are under pressure where they need seven off the last over."

"This defeat falls squarely on his shoulders and he has to wear it."

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum last night admitted his side blew a chance to claim the 2-1 series victory.

"When you look at where we were in the game and where we ended up, I guess we faltered," McCullum said, not calling it a choke, but not actually denying it either.

"We came under pressure and didn't measure up. Use whatever words you want but we didn't get the job done. It's bitterly disappointing."

McCullum did not point the finger at a "distraught" Ryder for the tumble - others could have finished the task, he said.

- HERALD ONLINE - additional reporting by David Leggat