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Kiwis Complete Thrashing

Wednesday, March 3 2004

South Africa's dire start to their tour of New Zealand continued today, rounding out the ODI Series with their 5th loss from 6 matches.

Despite winning his 5th toss from 6 attempts in the series South African captain Graeme Smith again called incorrectly in electing to bat.

Robin Peterson and Ashwell Prince returned to the side, while Craig McMillan's personal leave allowed for Michael Papps' return. Kyle Mills payed the price for his recent glut of runs from his death bowling, replaced by Michael Mason.

In a dismal start for the out-of-form unit, Brendon McCullum collected 3 early catches from the pace battery of Daryl Tuffey and Mason (2) that restricted the Proteas to 3/15 in the 7th over.

While neither bowler offers express pace both are noted for their accurate medium-fast bowling. Tuffey in particular is a fine bowler when conditions such as what was offered in Napier are seen.

Jacques Rudolph and Mark Boucher fared little better. Both have had moderate series with the bat, with Tuffey's breakthroughs leaving the visitors struggling at 5/29.

McCullum claimed his fourth catch from Jacob Oram to claim a visibly fatigued Shaun Pollock on just 7.

The left-handed duo of Prince and Lance Klusener offered the innings a sense of direction following the initial new-ball period, adding 63 for the 8th wicket.

Klusener blunted his naturally sharp attacking game in making a crucial 35 from 58 deliveries, before a needless run out ended his innings as the rescue mission began to stabilise for a late surge.

Prince's dismissal for 47 suggested the end for the South Africans at 8/114.

Yet an unlikely hero in Makhaya Ntini nonchalantly dealt with the Black Caps bowling to compose an unbeaten 42 from number 11. Alongside Albie Morkel (23*), Ntini added 67 for the last wicket.

Chris Cairns screamed, Scott Styris stumbled and Stephen Fleming held his hands on hips. Such is cricket.

New Zealand fell penalty to complacency. At the sight of Ntini, one got the feeling that the Black Caps switched off.

They were duly punished, allowing the South Africans into the game despite Tuffey's 3/35 and Oram's 3/24. Daniel Vettori cleverly restrained the batsman, while Mason finished with career best figures (2/35).

The skilled combination of grafting and stroke play offered by Michael Papps and Stephen Fleming (32) at the top of the New Zealand order ensured a strong start in pursuit of 186.

Fleming's run out, and the early dismissal of Hamish Marshall offered slight jitters for the New Zealand camp.

Scott Styris fell victim to impatience, while Chris Cairns was subdued by Peterson's tame finger spin.

Jacob Oram, despite only making 6, added crucial support with Papps in a partnership of 40. Once Chris Harris completed the pleasantries the 5-1 series result was ensured.

Papps finished his 5th ODI innings upon his highest score, and unbeaten 92. A combination of resolute defence, clever running and stylish strokes ensured that the Black Caps gained a comfortable victory with 4 overs to spare.

He was duly rewarded for his innings with Test selection for the Series beginning next week.

Before the series has even begun, it seems that Stephen Fleming and John Bracewell may hold all the aces.

Final Scores:

South Africa 9/186 (A Prince 47, M Ntini 42*; J Oram 3/24, D Tuffey 3/35)

New Zealand 5/190 (M Papps 92*; R Peterson 1/28)

New Zealand won by 5 wickets.

Cricket Web Player-of-the-Match: Michael Papps.

Cricket Web Player-of-the-Series: Scott Styris.

New Zealand win the 6-match series 5-1.

Posted by Andre