Published: Feb 16, 2017, 05:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 16, 2017, 05:51 PM (IST)
New Zealand will lock horns with South Africa in the one-off T20I at Eden Park, Auckland, the very venue where they played the thrilling World Cup 2015 semi-final two years back Out of the 14 contests between these two teams, South Africa have emerged triumphant in 10 matches. Let us look at the likely XI for both teams in this crackerjack of a match: Full Cricket Scorecard, New Zealand vs South Africa, only T20I at Auckland
Top order: With Martin Guptill ruled out of first three matches of this series, Glenn Phillips is likely to open with captain Kane Williamson. In 10 T20s, he averages 46.12 including a hundred and three fifties. To add to the fire, he is called the next Brendon McCullum in the New Zealand cricket fraternity. Batting alongside a batsman of Williamson’s class will be a delight for the 20-year old. At No. 3 will come the explosive Colin Munro. In 20 T20Is, he averages 26.19 inclusive of a hundred against Bangladesh. His runs have come at a strike rate touching 150.
Middle and lower-middle order: Corey Anderson is a terrific all-rounder. He has scored 426 runs and has taken 14 wickets from 28 caps. What is common between Munro and him is that they have a hundred in the shortest format against Bangladesh. To follow the all-rounder enters the specialist middle-order batsman Bruce, who had a good run in the previous series.
Then comes the devastating Colin de Grandhomme, who can clear the boundary with ease as well as comfort. If none of these click, there is always a batsman of Luke Ronchi’s dominance.
New Zealand bat deep, the very reason they are the No. 1 team in ICC T20I rankings. And Santner is evidence to the very fact. The southpaw can manage vital runs in the death overs if need be. On the other hand, he is the only spinner (if Williamson prefers not to bowl himself). Santner has 20 wickets to his name, at 14.35. Remember the damage he inflicted in the World T20 last year?
Pace battery: Like Waqar Younis-Wasim Akram and other famous duo, Tim Southee and Trent Boult are the integral pace pair of their team. They will be partnered by speedster Lockie Ferguson, who is reputed for his express pace.
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Now to the visitors…
Top order: South Africa’s top slot oozes of swag. The de Kock-Amla-de Villiers troika can turn the game on its head, with traits of their own. Quinton de Kock has the knack of dealing in boundaries. Hashim Amla is technically solid. AB de Villiers, well, is de Villiers; he can play strokes all round the ground. To add icing on the cake, it is de Villiers’ birthday and he has some unfinished business at the venue.
Middle and lower-middle order: Captain Faf du Plessis bats below de Villiers in this format. Not that it changes dynamic but gives more time for de Villiers to get his eye in.
In 70 T20Is, Duminy averages 38.4 — slightly better than the one in the 50-over format. Following him in the middle-order comes Farhaan Behardien, who might get a game because of David Miller’s injury. Then comes all-rounderChris Morris. While Behardien can play cheeky shots, there are no questions over his Morris’ ability to use the long handle.
Bowling unit: There is only one spinner in the ranks, Imran Tahir. The pace unit includes Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Kagiso Rabada.
Given Duminy is handy with his off-spinners, Proteas have enough ammunition in the spin department. Add Morris to the three specialist pacers and their pace attack looks sorted as well.
New Zealand likely XI: Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.
South Africa XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.
