New Zealand's Softball World Cup campaign is over, after a 2-0 defeat to Cuba in an extra-inning thriller at Auckland.
The hosts and seven-time champion Black Sox bounced back from defeats to USA and Argentina to crush the Philippines, leaving them needing a win over the Cubans in their final Group A tie to advance to the Super Round.
But after the teams were tied 0-0 at the end of regulation, the Central Americans came through with a hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to claim their first-ever win over the Black Sox and clinch their spot in the final six, with their dugout exploding in jubilation.
Veteran pitcher Alain Roman, 44, was the stand-out for the Cubans, bailing his side out of some precarious situations on a night when defence dominated, with counterpart Daniel Chapman making life equally tough for his opponents.
Yesander Rodriguez came through with the winning hit, driving a ball past second base to bring two runners home.
Cuba now advance to the final six from Group A, alongside Argentina and USA.
