Published: Feb 21, 2017, 04:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 21, 2017, 07:16 PM (IST)
Amidst the frenzy of IPL auction, New Zealand and South Africa quietly go through their ODI series. The hosts have a tough ask to stop South Africa’s streak of winning consecutive 12 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when they face each other in the second game at Christchurch. South Africa, came into the five-match series with 11 ODI wins on the trot, to equal its national record of 12 consecutive wins – set in 2005 – following a rusty four-wicket victory in the first ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Both teams have won their past 2 ODI series and hence a series defeat for any of these will definitely change their outlook with respect to the approaching ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in June.
New Zealand perspective: Kane Williamson will have a lot to think and work on especially on their batsmen. To be precise, New Zealand’s top five batsmen scored 93 runs together comprising of Dean Brownlie’s 31 and Williamson’s 59. On the other hand, their lower four batsmen scored 104 runs together. Hence the Kiwis need reliable batsmen who can form partnerships even in time of pressure; not just hitting big shots but also dealing in singles and doubles keeping the scoreboard ticking. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd ODI
In recent times, Colin de Grandhomme has done a good job with slogging and also playing the waiting game, on the contrary, the dismal form of opener Tom Latham has hurt the home side. Latham’s past 5 ODI scores read — 22, 4, 7, 0 and 0, which means the last time he scored runs in double-figures was back in the last year, in December 2016.
As far as their bowling is concerned, New Zealand have their bases covered. With home advantage in their favour Trent Boult, Tim Southee, de Grandhomme are lethal against any formidable side and with the options of Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and even Williamson for that matter, Kiwi bowling boasts a good look. The only dilemma that New Zealand management may have is – if both Sodhi and Santner are needed in the starting XI as they have another seam – option of 25-year-old Lockie Ferguson, who can bowl at express pace.
South Africa perspective: As for South Africa, things are a pretty reverse. Their openers, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are both in good form. De Kock has been destructive in the recent two series that they have played. Even in the last game, he was the Man of the Match. With good shows in the T20I and then in the first ODI, South Africa can pose serious threat with their batting. However, South Africa’s middle-order crumbled at Hamilton. Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien had a lot of hopes pinned on them but failed to get going. The emergence of Andile Phelukwayo has proved a lot of impetus to South Africa’s finishing.
His importance to South Africa is off the same as of de Grandhomme’s to New Zealand. Then there is AB de Villiers. His calmness saw the team through in the first game and as always the expectation will be high from him.
South Africa’s bowling looks well settled with Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris up front forming a potent combination. Although Imran Tahir went wicket-less for the first time in many games, he should remain core to their plans.
In addition to Morris and Phehlukwayo, South Africa also have the alternative of adding Wayne Parnell or Dwaine Pretorius in their side.
Pitch numbers
Out of 9 ODIs played at this venue, the last 4 have yielded 300 + score – the latest when New Zealand drubbed Bangladesh on December 26. Moreover, Latham had scored 137 in this game, and there is a good opportunity for him to take inspiration from this game and make a strong comeback.
In addition to this Christchurch has been the lucky ground for hosts having won all their 5 games here. With the fact that some players from both teams have become millionaires while some astoundingly not getting sold, and also with the fact of rainfall menaces omitted, we are definitely in for a riveting encounter.
Squads:
New Zealand: Dean Brownlie, Tom Latham (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Luke Ronchi
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (c), Jean-Paul Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Dwaine Pretorius
Time: 11:00 am local time | 03:30 IST
