SA v NZ, 4th ODI Preview: New Zealand ring in the changes for Hamilton encounter

It has been three ODIs in the series so far, and at the moment, hosts New Zealand appear to be in some trouble with the players at hand. The prelude to this encounter witnesses the calling up of spinners to the ranks. It must be remembered that the first ODI of this series was played on the same surface at Seddon Park. This also means that spin is expected to play a massive part in proceedings. Thus, it would be expected that both sides play at least the two spinners. Jeetan Patel’s comeback has coincided with the nature of the wicket while Tabraiz Shamsi might play for the Proteas as well.

Guptill and Jeetan stage comebacks

Martin Guptill and Jeetan Patel have been thrown into the grand scheme of things with young Tom Bruce sent back to play in the varsity leagues to up his game. Guptill’s injuries have been a toll on the 32-year old. However, at the moment, it would seem clear that he is indeed fit to play. Patel’s form in recent seasons has not been the best, but he seems to be the best spinner in New Zealand’s ranks and might be picked ahead of Ish Sodhi.

South Africa middle-order looks to step up

Two batsmen have been getting the runs for the Proteas all series – Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers. While the likes of Andile Phehlukwayo and even Dwaine Pretorious have been making their mark with the bat, the likes of Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, and others have not really had the impact they would have liked with the bat so far.

New Zealand

The Kiwis will be without Tom Latham and Tom Bruce with the former dropped due to poor form. Bruce has been kept on the sidelines while Martin Guptill stages a return into the ODI team. Neil Broom will be in a standby capacity if keeper Luke Ronchi be deemed unfit for the encounter. Should Rochi be unavailable, the gloves would be handed to Dean Brownlie.

South Africa

Most of the South African squad is fit and ready to play. However, the one change in the side that most would be expecting is Tabraiz Shamsi being considered given the nature of the wicket. The left-arm chinaman will make his way into the side while a pacer is frozen out.

Probable XI

New Zealand: 

Kane Williamson (C), Luke Ronchi (WK), Martin Guptill, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Trent Boult

South Africa: 

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

StAttack:

1. Quinton de Kock requires one more half-century to complete 6 half-centuries on the bounce. He will become the first South African batsman to do this. At the moment, de Kock is on five 50s on the bounce and is in line with Kepler Wessels and Jonty Rhodes.

2. Luke Ronchi was the last New Zealand keeper-batsman to score a half century. However, the last time a wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a half-century was Ronchi himself in January 2015 when he slammed 170 against the Lankans. It has been 40 innings since a wicketkeeper has hit a half-century for New Zealand.

3. South Africa has never lost in Seddon Park, Napier. In four matches at this venue, the Proteas have three wins with one match being washed out.