×

South Africa vs New Zealand 2016: Dale Steyn vs Kane Williamson, Hashim Amla vs Trent Boult and other key clashes

The series holds importance as a lot of teams are breathing down the neck of the team above them in the ICC Test rankings and a series win will bolster the confidence of the winner.

Related articles

Dale Steyn will like to make things tough for New Zealand in series decider at Centurion © Getty Images
Dale Steyn will like to make things tough for New Zealand in series decider at Centurion © Getty Images

South Africa take on New Zealand in the series decider of two-Test series at Centurion. After the first Test ended in a tame draw due to rain and wet outfield, the second Test is all for grabs for both sides. South Africa will be rearing to win and turn their dismal record in Tests since their drubbing in the hands of India in end-2015. On the other hand, New Zealand have a different agenda as they have embarked on a new phase with Kane Williamson calling shots for the side. Here are some interesting key battles between both the sides when they take on the field for the series finale: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Centurion

Dale Steyn vs Kane Williamson: Undoubtedly, the biggest clash will be between the South African legend and New Zealand’s captain and top batsman. Williamson did not get a chance to inflict damage to the opposition with the willow but Steyn dismissed New Zealand’s openers cheaply. He looked in good stead as he was coming back from injury. If Steyn carries on from where he left at Durban, Williamson will have his task cut out. He is an excellent player of pace but if Steyn gets some bounce from the pitch, he can trouble the best batsmen.

Ross Taylor vs Vernon Philander: Taylor has been in good form in the leadup to this series. He was brilliant in the series against Zimbabwe. Will he carry his good showing against a tough team in their den? He will be up against Philander, who can move the ball off a length at decent pace. Philander will take new ball with Steyn, and the pair will test the two big guns in the New Zealand batting line-up. Taylor has a tendency of pulling short balls, but looks iffy at times, especially at the beginning of the innings. Taylor will also be wary of his swing as he has the knack of edging the moving balls. ALSO READ: South Africa vs New Zealand 2nd Test Preview & Predictions: One-Test series excites both teams

Hashim Amla vs Trent Boult: Amla was uncharacteristically aggressive in the first Test, playing some excellent strokes and scoring at almost a run a ball. He scored a fifty but was not able to make it big. He does not miss out often, but once again he will have to face young Boult. Boult took 3 wickets at Durban and will be confident with new ball. Boult had dismissed Amla in Durban when the latter was looking set for a big one, and there an interesting battle is likely in Centurion. Boult should get assistance from the pitches in South Africa and will be up against a proven match-winner in the form of Amla.

Tim Southee vs JP Duminy: Southee has been especially successful to left-handers. He will be up against Duminy, who likes to play his shots and is often tentative at the start of his innings. Southee got only solitary wicket in the form of Steyn, and will like to contribute more in the next outing at Centurion.  Duminy has a habit of poking at balls outside off, and the smart Southee will be aware of this. Duminy will like to get a big one in Tests but will have to face the accurate line and length of Southee.

Mitchell Santer vs Quinton de Kock: QdK is a decent player when it comes to spin but will be up against Santer, who has been in good touch with the ball. He had a good run in India in ICC World T20I 2016 and followed it up with 2 wickets in the series opener. An interesting contest can unearth between these two.  A confident Santer will be up against de Kock who scored his first Test hundred in the same ground during the home series against England. READ: Kingsmead & Queen’s Park Oval might face fine of USD 15,000 for poor-rated facilities

Dane Piedt vs BJ Watling: Off-spinner Piedt will be expected to lead from front as the spin department of South Africa does not pose any such major threat to the opposition. Watling has always looked composed at the crease and will be against the youngster with the responsibility of batting with the tail. Faf du Plessis may hand over the ball to Piedt when Watling will be at the crease to test his patience. If Piedt gets enough backing, he can turn tides for his side in the decisive match.

The series holds importance as a lot of teams are breathing down the neck of the team above them in the ICC Test rankings and a series win will bolster the confidence of the winner.

(Aditya Sahay is a journalist with CricketCountry who is completely into sports and loves writing about cricket in general. He can be followed on Twitter at adisahay7)

trending this week