TON-UP GUPTILL STEERS KIWIS TO THRILLING VICTORY
East London, South Africa: Martin Guptill hit a thrilling century to clinch a last-ball, eight-wicket victory for New Zealand in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at Buffalo Park on Sunday.
Guptill finished with 101 not out off 69 balls, hitting the last ball of the match from Rory Kleinveldt over cover for four to enable New Zealand to reach a target of 169 in a match reduced to 19 overs a side because of a floodlight failure. Brief scores: South Africa 165/5 in 19 overs (F du Plessis 63, H. Davids 55, D. Bracewell 3/33) lost to New Zealand 169/2 in 19 overs (Guptill 101*).
It’s time for bonding
Rivalry for cricketers on either side of the border is largely confined to the duration of the match. Beyond it, the players from India and Pakistan have always been known to bond in admirable fashion. On Monday, it was no different as both the teams shared space during practice. While skipper M.S Dhoni was seen having a lengthy chat with Shahid Afridi and coach Dav Whatmore, Virat Kohli was the cynosure of the youngsters in the Pakistan side. Young Kohli was at the centre of a willow discussion with several Pak cricketers keen to try out the Delhi lads’ bat.
Pak fans, no show!
Pakistan will play their first match in a bilateral series on Indian soil, sans fan support on Tuesday. Although 3,000 visas were granted for this series, none of the fans from Pakistan have made it to Bengaluru, owing to paucity of time. Wirth the tickets being mandatory for visa applications and the same reaching Pakistan Cricket Board late, the fans across the border could not make it for the first T20 clash. However, about 30odd fans are expected to arrive for the first ODI in Chennai on Dec. 30 and about 1,000 for the series finale at the Kotla.