Kane Williamson proved his Twenty20 credentials in his second consecutive match blasting New Zealand to an unlikely five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Hamilton.
Just days after partnering with Martin Guptill for a 137-run partnership in the first Twenty20 international between these sides, Williamson played the role of pinch hitter to perfection posting 20 runs from just five deliveries to see the hosts home with two balls to spare as they chased down Zimbabwe's 202.
It was New Zealand's highest successful run chase and their first over 200 as the unlucky tourists left the country winless after six matches.
Zimbabwe showed signs of brilliance at times, and when Kyle Jarvis took two wickets in two balls it looked as if their bowlers had done enough to secure a famous and historic Twenty20 victory.
But the pressure on Shingi Masakadza in the final over proved to be too much as he conceded 14 runs in just four deliveries to go with 15 runs conceded in his other six deliveries to let the African minnow's biggest T20 win slip.
After leaking 200 in the first innings, captain Brendan McCullum opted to go with James Franklin (60) at the top of the order to partner Rob Nicol (56).
New Zealand were watchful early in their innings, with Franklin in particular struggling to move his strike rate past 100 after his first 20 runs.
But a swift surge in momentum saw New Zealand claim five sixes in 17 deliveries and saw the 100-run partnership come up two balls later after Nicol brought up another international half century.
The Canterbury opener was dismissed eight runs later and with it the momentum was halted. His dismissal saw the introduction of Zimbabwe-born heavy-hitter Colin de Grandhomme, but his debut at the crease was ended eight runs later when he chopped on from the bowling of Elton Chigumbura.
It was then time for McCullum (38) to step up and deliver a much-needed win for New Zealand ahead of their series against South Africa on Friday, but some lackadaisical calling saw Franklin run out for 60 thanks to a brilliant 90m throw from Keagan Meth.
McCullum tried to make amends when brother Nathan McCullum (5) came to the crease, but the pressure built from some solid bowling saw both brothers fall in consecutive deliveries to Jarvis.
In the end, Williamson's quick-fire cameo was enough for New Zealand to escape with a crucial win, while Zimbabwe's poor death bowling saw them snatch defeat from the hands of victory.