THE FLAT CAPS Batsmen collapse in a heap
SO much for momentum.
A one-day international cricket series which went tit-fortat ended with South Africa striking the decisive blow over New Zealand in Auckland yesterday.
After they were thumped by seven wickets in Hamilton on Wednesday – continuing the series trend of we win one, you win one – the Proteas responded with a six-wicket win the fifth and final game at Eden Park.
Chasing just 150 for victory following the hosts meek surrender, it certainly wasn’t all plain sailing for the tourists during the 32.2 overs they took to achieve their target. The Kiwi bowling attack fought all the way and at 88-4, with classy skipper AB de Villiers back in the sheds, the game was still in the balance.
Thanks the power of David Miller, though, and the steady head of Faf du Plessiss, there was to be no magic trick.
Miller played the key role in the unbeaten and match-winning 62-run partnership, bludgeoning 45 from 33, while du Plessis remained 51 not out from 90 and fittingly hit the winning runs after holding his nerve as the pressure ramped up.
The result not only clinched the visitors the series, it allowed them to reclaim the No 1 ODI team ranking they had handed back to Australia at Seddon Park.
It also ended unbeaten run in ODI series at home for New Zealand dating back to October, 2014 when the very same opposition prevailed 2-0.
With New Zealand all out in just 41.1 overs, South Africa were able to get their response under way early.
The Kiwi bowlers were not prepared to simply hand over the series, though, and led by Patel and Southee they ensured the visitors were made to work hard for the remaining 136 runs.
Bounding in from the northern end with pace and purpose, Southee gave Amla a decent workover, softening him up to eventually drive a juicy half-volley from SCOREBOARD Colin de Grandhomme straight to cover to end a 28-ball stay with just eight.
New Zealand sniffed opportunity at 35-2 after 12 overs, and with the arrival of left-handed JP Duminy at the crease. Williamson immediately went back to the right-arm off-spin of Patel and just a few overs later it paid dividends, Duminy making just three before softly chipping to cover.
From 48-3, South Africa were very nearly 60-4 when du Plessis was given out lbw to Patel. But, thanks to the sharp eye of de Villiers, du Plessis had no hesitation reviewing and his reprieve was confirmed when Hawk-Eye tracked the turning ball past leg stump.
For New Zealand, and most of the 19,142 in attendance, that meant bad news. It would be South Africa who headed to the final stage of the tour, a three test series, with that winning feeling. PHOTOSPORT