NZ v SA 5th ODI, Preview: Stakes high as spirited Proteas take on Kiwis in series decider

South Africa were taken aback by a storm named Martin Guptill that came their way in the previous ODI against New Zealand. They had the series almost pocketed but a whirlwind knock from Guptill saw the Kiwis level series 2-2. The action now moves to the Eden Park for the series decider with a lot at stake for both sides. The defeat at Hamilton meant South Africa slipping down in the ODI rankings and they would surely be itching to get back on top of the charts. On the other hand, the Kiwis would be keen on making their hat-trick of series wins at home.

The venue is the same where the tour had commenced. Also, it is worth noting that it is the same venue where South Africa’s dream run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 had come to an end – interestingly, against the same side. They did manage to win the T20I that kicked off the series this time around at the venue, but a bigger win surely awaits the visitors. However, having said that, one must consider that the visitors have a major point to prove.

They have been found guilty of choking in pressure games in the past. With the series on the line, albeit a series of smaller magnitudes in many ways, they will be under pressure to perform well and finish on a high. In this series, a lot of their weaknesses have come to the fore. On the other hand, the hosts have been able to get their plans sorted through continuous shuffling and permutations ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Team News:

New Zealand

New Zealand were bolstered by the return of Martin Guptill to their side. Guptill arrived in grand style too. The batting for the hosts looks settled with the top order getting in a fine groove. Tom Latham had to miss out on the previous ODI due to his poor form and in order to make way for Guptill. He is expected to be benched for the series decider as well. Dean Brownlie will open the innings with Guptill.

In the bowling department, the eyes would be on Tim Southee. He has had a mixed bag of series thus far. He is yet to come up with a match winning performance. Notwithstanding the fact that he actually choked the Proteas middle order in the previous game.

“We’ve had a mixed bag when it comes to death bowling in the series. When you’ve got a player like de Villiers who can hit the ball 360 degrees at will at the end, it is difficult. Coming to a ground with different dimensions, we’ll work on a few things today at training,” Southee himself had admitted in the press conference.

Matt Henry has been added to the side and is most likely to replace Jeetan Patel in the playing eleven. Lockie Ferguson is also an option since the Kiwis might not go in with two spinners in the match. But the recent performance of Ferguson in the Wellington ODI might see Henry get the privilege ahead of him.

South Africa

A groin injury to Andile Phehlukwayo had seen him miss out on the fourth ODI at Hamilton. The medium pacer is fit again and might well walk in the side. They are bound to have selection conundrums, though. They need to figure out who would make way for Phehlukwayo in the playing eleven. Chris Morris might be the one missing out on the game.

The question to answer for the Proteas would be whether they wish to give rest to their premier pacer Kagiso Rabada or not. They have often rested Rabada after every two matches. But with the series at stake, they might not take the call this time around. Skipper AB de Villiers has been in a fine form with the bat throughout the series. His form makes the middle order look very stable.

However, the form of JP Duminy and David Miller remains to be a concern for the visitors. They might fancy roping in Farhaan Behardien at the expense of either of the two in this match. But having said that, skipper AB hinted that they will stick to the experience of Duminy and Miller for the crunch game.

Probable XI:

New Zealand

Martin Guptill, Dean Brownlie, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

South Africa

Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (C), JP Duminy, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorious, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.

StatAttack:

1. New Zealand have won only one ODI series against South Africa at home (back in 2004).

2. AB de Villiers bats with a stunning average of 203 against New Zealand in New Zealand. He has been dismissed only thrice in the 11 innings that he has played.

3. The highest aggregate by a visiting batsman in a five-match series in New Zealand is 309 by Rahul Dravid back in 1998-99 season. Currently, AB de Villiers has 239 runs to his name in the 4 matches thus far.

4. No spin bowler has ever taken more than 3 wickets in an ODI at the venue.