Christchurch: Trent Boult (3/63) took the prized wicket of AB de Villiers (45, 49b, 2×4) and then bowled Dwaine Pretorious (50, 27b, 4×4, 2×6) in the penultimate over as New Zealand secured a series-levelling six-run victory in the second ODI against South Africa here, Wednesday.
The visitors had been set a 290-run target after Ross Taylor (102 n o, 110b, 8×4) scored his 17th ton to become New Zealand’s most prolific ODI century-maker in leading his side to 289 for four in their 50 overs at Hagley Oval.
All-rounder James Neesham (71 n o, 57b, 6×4) also scored a half century and added an unbeaten 123-run fifth wicket stand with Taylor. Skipper Kane Williamson (69, 75b, 6×4) also played a wonderful knock. Pretorious (2/40) bowled well for the Proteas.
South Africa appeared set for victory courtesy of a half century by Quinton de Kock (57, 65b, 6×4) and solid partnerships through the middle order but were unable to finish off the job. The chase faltered when David Miller’s dismissal for 28 by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi (1/63) reduced the visitors to 192 for five, triggering a lower-order collapse.
The visitors were stuttering at 214 for eight as the hosts closed in on what appeared to be a comfortable victory. Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo (29 n o, 34b, 4×4) however, then combined for 61 runs to put New Zealand’s nerves on edge.
South Africa fought back well to require 20 runs from the final two overs but some excellent death bowling by Boult and Tim Southee (1/60) ensured the hosts were able to restrict the visitors to 283 for nine.
Reuters
