South Africa v New Zealand 2nd ODI review: Kiwis level series with crushing win

South Africa v New Zealand 2nd ODI review: Kiwis level series with crushing win: An unbeaten century from opener Martin Guptill eased New Zealand to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the second One-Day International at Senwes Park on Sunday. Set a modest 205 for victory, New Zealand cruised to their target with 33 balls to spare on the back of Guptill’s 103 not out as they finished on 207 for two. The victory levels the three match series at 1-1, with the deciding match to be played in Durban on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa never got momentum in their innings and were bowled out in the final over for 204, New Zealand got off to a fantastic start as Milne dismissed Hashim Amla on 8 in the second over. Just when things were looking good for South Africa and Rossouw and ABD had stabilized the innings, Bracewell struck to break the 48-run stand. Rossouw was going strong on 39, advanced and lofted one but mistimed it completely, giving Williamson a simple catch at mid-off. South Africa needed ABD to stay for a while and build their innings as they were already struggling, but he was dismissed by Elliott on 31. New Zealand bowlers kept things tight and bowled with discipline preventing the South African innings from flourishing.

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The inclusion of Doug Bracewell in today’s match turned out to be fantastic decision for New Zealand. He  picked up his fourth wicket of the resilient Farhan Behardien, who scored a brilliant 70 when all others failed. At one stage, South Africa were 134/6, but a Behardien’s knock – his highest score in ODIs helped South Africa crawl past 200. Along with Philander, he added 54 runs for the 7th wicket which proved a valuable contribution. South Africa eventually foled for 204.

New Zealand got off to a positive start in chase of 205. Both openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham looked comfortable at the crease, taking their time to settle in and start playing their shots. They soon brought up the half-century stand for the opening wicket. The South African fielders did not make things easier for themselves as they put up another shoddy performance in the field. Latham scored his fourth ODI fifty and shared a century plus stand with his fellow opener to keep New Zealand on track. The openers brought up New Zealand’s highest ever opening stand against South Africa in ODIs. Barring Philander, none of the South African bowlers were able to exert any pressure on the Kiwi batsmen. Tahir consumed Latham on 64 while his partner Phangiso claimed the New Zealand skipper. Williamson registered his first single-digit score in ODIs since the epic World Cup semi-final against South Africa. In the end Guptill hit the winning runs and also completed a well deserved ton.

It was a comprehensive win for New Zealand. South Africa lost too many wickets too early, never coming to terms with the slowness of the pitch. With this victory, New Zealand have squared the series and both teams will go to Durban for the series decider. New Zealand lost the first ODIs in both England and Zimbabwe before winning the next two matches. South Africa will be aware that the same could happen in Durban.

Brief Scores of South Africa v New Zealand 2nd ODI:

New Zealand won by 8 wickets

South Africa 204; Behardien 70, Rossouw 39 , Bracewell 3-31

New Zealand 207/2 (44.3 overs);  Guptill 103, Latham 64, Phangiso 1-37