Chapter and verse: Dismiss AB de Villiers
Anyone writing a definitive guide on “how New Zealand can beat South Africa?” should dedicate at least one chapter to “The dismissal of AB de Villiers”.
The Proteas skipper has batted 20 times in completed one- day internationals between the countries; his side have won 13 and lost seven.
In the 13 victories, de Villiers averaged 83 with a strike rate of 98, scoring four half- centuries and a century.
In the seven defeats, he averaged 31.83 with a strike rate of 93, scoring one half- century. However, that innings was a noble effort. Rain interrupted him in his pomp at Eden Park in the 2015 World Cup semi- final. He eventually finished unbeaten on 65.
The opening matches of this ODI series have provided a similar gauge to his talisman- like impact.
His 37 not out, including the winning straight loft for four, got the Proteas home in the opening match in Hamilton; his 45, when Trent Boult coaxed a bottom edge, was the seminal moment in New Zealand levelling the series in Christchurch.
The wicket of de Villiers will be cherished most in the New Zealanders bowling plans; but forming a plan is the hard part. The 33- year- old is batting quicksilver. His anticipation and versatility to play through 360 degrees is peerless. Hopefully he is still fit after suffering knocks to the little finger of his left hand and his left shoulder in the field.
As century- maker Ross Taylor noted after Wednesday’s match:
“I think if we didn’t get him out there [ at 199 for six in the 39th over], the game could have been totally different. He was pacing the innings so well. He seemed to time it from ball one.”
Tim Southee agreed de Villiers’ dismissal provided a momentum shift.
“He’s a world- class player and world- class finisher. There are probably two guys in world cricket who you don’t rest over until you get them. He and [ Indian captain] Virat Kohli have proven anything’s possible while they’re there.
“There are guys around AB who can do the job as well. It’s a dangerous line- up.”