South Africa v New Zealand 1st T20I - 5 Talking Points

South Africa v New Zealand 1^st T20I – 5 Talking Points: Heart-break on one end and elation on the other, these were the kind of emotions at play when South Africa and New Zealand last took on each other in what was described as the most exciting encounter of World Cup 2015. That occasion produced an unlikely hero in Grant Elliot and an even more unlikely villain in Dale Steyn.

The 1^st T20I between the two sides in Durban was nowhere close to that epic clash, as the home side secured a comfortable 6-wicket win over the Kiwis. AB de Villiers was leading South Africa in the absence of Faf du Plessis, who was out with an injured knee. Morne van Wyk was included in the Proteas XI while Doug Bracewell was back in the Black Caps side. The hosts won the toss and decided to bowl first. They pulled back things nicely after New Zealand had got off to a quick start to restrict them to a meagre 151 and later chased it down easily to win by 6 wickets.

Here are the South Africa v New Zealand 1st T20I: 5 Talking Points

1. Explosive start by New Zealand openers:

The Kiwi openers put their foot on the accelerator. Williamson in particular showed his class by playing some eye-catching strokes. He took a heavy toll when Morne Morkel was bowling. On the other hand, Guptill struggled a bit for timing, but he too played a few power-packed shots. Rabada, who was bowling too straight, came in for some stick from Williamson, who preferred the onside as he sent the ball three times to the fence in the fifth over. New Zealand reached 56/0 after six overs.

2. South Africa’s comeback:

For a brief period of time, Williamson threatened to take New Zealand to a massive total but when he was dismissed on 42 the scoring rate dipped. The South African bowlers tightened the screws and Phangiso bowled a brilliant spell while the pacers supported him well. AB too played his part by taking a stunning catch at mid-on to send Munro back to the pavilion. A couple of run-outs didn’t help the Kiwi cause either.

3. The Kiwi collapse:

From being 2 down for 102 New Zealand were reduced to 125 for 5. As soon as Guptill departed, the slide started. Colin Munro was undone by AB’s stunner while Elliot played a poor shot. The running between the wickets wasn’t great from the Kiwis either as Ronchi misjudged a throw from David Wiese. Worker became Phangiso’s second scalp when he missed a sweep and was trapped in front. Phangiso finished with figures of 2/29 to leave New Zealand with a below par score on the board.

4. Steady Start by South Africa:

Morne Van Wyk and Hashim Amla started cautiously, as the target wasn’t a huge one. While Amla looked fluent Van Wyk struggled for timing but hung around. The partnership ensured that batsmen coming after the duo could play their natural game. New Zealand pacers bowled tight lines and Bracewell was impressive in particular.

5. Crisp but effective knocks by Rossouw, Amla and AB:

Rilie Roussouw and AB de Villiers played breezy knocks while Amla anchored the innings from one end. When Van Wyk was dismissed, New Zealand had a window of opportunity, but the 50-run stand between De Villiers and Amla put the home team in command. Even though, Rossouw and Amla lost their wickets in the end, the Proteas coasted towards an easy win.