The 2009 XXXX Gold Beach Cricket Tri-Nations series was contested between Australia (hosts), New Zealand (returning champions) and South Africa. By the end on round one New Zealand had once again showed their dominance by winning all three matches, with South Africa failing to make an impression losing both of their opening matches. Round two saw a role reversal with South Africa winning all three matches and New Zealand losing both of theirs, by this stage Australia were looking down and out having won just two games in six outings. Round three went the same way as round one New Zealand winning all three, Australia one and South Africa losing both matches. The final got underway after a brief break for some rain and lightning (which reduced the match to four overs per side), at which time