Published: Feb 21, 2017, 07:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 21, 2017, 07:54 PM (IST)
After an enthralling contest at Hamilton, New Zealand and South Africa are set to clash against each in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Christchurch. The visitors won the first of the five-ODI series by a whisker after AB de Villiers’s final over heroics. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be want to get a win alongside their name. The T20I went in South Africa’s favour, so did the first ODI. The pitch at Christchurch is expected to be a batting paradise, which in all likelihood will see a high-scoring match. Both teams have a flurry of explosive batsmen and street-smart bowlers that makes for an exciting contest. Ahead of the final 2nd ODI, let us have a look at the key battles. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd ODI
Trent Boult vs AB de Villiers: Fresh from being purchased in by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 10, Boult will be high in confidence. Boult, in the first game leaked runs at the start but soon got into rhythm and nabbed a couple of wickets. Star for South Africa, AB de Villiers will be expected to produce a similar performance with the bat. De Villiers’ 37 won South Africa the first game. Given de Villier’s problem with incoming deliveries early in his innings, Boult poses a serious threat.
Kane Williamson vs Chris Morris: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson showed how brutal he can be when needed. He was the top scorer for his side making a 53-ball 59. Williamson utilised the ground dimensions to the tee. Morris meanwhile struck crucial blows in the middle to initiate a collapse for the hosts. Morris’s double-wicket maiden was one of the main highlights. Morris, will want to hit back at Williamson, as the latter scored swiftly against the pace-man. Hosts in a bid to stop visitors’ winning rampage
Colin de Grandhomme vs Kagiso Rabada: De Grandhomme, finally came good with the bat, making 34 off 19 balls. He thrashed 3 massive sixes to provide the Blackcaps with a late order flurry of runs. Rabada, meanwhile, dashed hopes of a middle-order fight back by New Zealand, picking two quick wickets. His form in the match saw him receive a hefty pay check in IPL 2017.
Quinton de Kock vs Tim Southee: South Africa’s most destructive batsman in the recent past de Kock, gave his start a whirlwind start yet again. De Kock’s belligerence enabled his side of an above par score in the rain-curtailed affair. De Kock smashed every bowler out of the park en-route his 69. Southee, on the other hand, was the star bowler for the Kiwis. Southee’s experience was quite evident in the middle, opting to bowl off-cutters in the death overs, which saw batsmen struggle in gauging his speed.
