By CricketCountry Staff
Martin Guptill carved an unbeaten half-century to steer New Zealand to a six wicket win over South Africa in the first of the three T20 match at the Wellington on Friday.
Published: Feb 17, 2012, 03:10 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 17, 2012, 03:10 PM (IST)
New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill celebrates his half century during their fist T20 against South Africa © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Wellington: Feb 17, 2012
Martin Guptill carved an unbeaten half-century to steer New Zealand to a six wicket win over South Africa in the first of the three T20 match at the Wellington on Friday.
Chasing a competitive total of 148, the Kiwis overhauled the required total with four balls to spare.
Opener Rob Nicol and Guptill got New Zealand off to a solid start with a partnership of 49 runs in seven overs.
Rusty Theron struck the first blow for the Proteas dismissing Nicol for 13.
Guptill and Brendon McCullum then continued to hammer the South African bowling as New Zealand inched closer to victory.
South Africa tried to claw back with a two quicky wickets in as the match headed down to the wires.
With twelve required for the final two over, Guptill and James Franklin held their nerves to guide New Zealand home.
Earlier, New Zealand contained South Africa’s vaunted batting line up to set themselves a target of 148.
Paceman Tim Southee took three for 28 after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s decision to send South Africa into bat after winning the toss paid early dividends with the tourists finishing the innings at six for 147.
Brief Scores: South Africa 147 for 6 in 20 overs (JP Duminy 41, Justin Ontong 32; Tim Southee 3 for 28, Ronnie Hira 1 for 12) lost to New Zealand 148 for 19.2 ( Martin Guptill 78*, Kane Williamson 24; JP Duminy 1 for 20, Morne Morkel 1 for 26) by 6 wickets
