Mis-hits and kisses
ESPNcricinfo presents the plays of the day from the third and final T20 international at Kingsmead
Firdose Moonda
14-Jan-2015
Morne van Wyk sealed his hundred with a kiss • Gallo Images
Security... but not for this
Reeza Hendricks pounced on width from Carlos Brathwaite in his first over, was offered even more in his second and was ready to do the same. He threw his bat at a delivery outside off and got a meaty top edge to bring Lendl Simmons at third man in play. Simmons was standing just inside the boundary and priming himself to jump and take the catch - but the security official next to him knew better. He could see the ball was headed over the rope and towards him and backed away as Simmons backpedalled and crashed into the advertising boards to add injury to Brathwaite's insult of being mishit for a maximum.
Reeza Hendricks pounced on width from Carlos Brathwaite in his first over, was offered even more in his second and was ready to do the same. He threw his bat at a delivery outside off and got a meaty top edge to bring Lendl Simmons at third man in play. Simmons was standing just inside the boundary and priming himself to jump and take the catch - but the security official next to him knew better. He could see the ball was headed over the rope and towards him and backed away as Simmons backpedalled and crashed into the advertising boards to add injury to Brathwaite's insult of being mishit for a maximum.
Quality cricket moment of the day
Dwayne Bravo put the brakes on South Africa with a slew of slower balls and then produced the ball of the innings, albeit without any reward. He fired in a perfect yorker, aimed at the gap between Hendricks' boots, through which the base of middle stump was peeking. Bravo was on target but so were Hendricks' reflexes. In a flash, he adjusted so that his feet came together and his bat got down to dig it out. It may not be the moment many remember from this game, but it was one the purists would have enjoyed. David Wiese was not so lucky when Bravo dished up another one in his second spell.
Dwayne Bravo put the brakes on South Africa with a slew of slower balls and then produced the ball of the innings, albeit without any reward. He fired in a perfect yorker, aimed at the gap between Hendricks' boots, through which the base of middle stump was peeking. Bravo was on target but so were Hendricks' reflexes. In a flash, he adjusted so that his feet came together and his bat got down to dig it out. It may not be the moment many remember from this game, but it was one the purists would have enjoyed. David Wiese was not so lucky when Bravo dished up another one in his second spell.
Kiss of the day
There wasn't much in the way of friendly feelings when South Africa were flaying the West Indies attack but Kieron Pollard found the time for some fun when he got the first wicket. Hendricks grew tired of being tied down and tried to force something but could not get a slower ball away. Dwayne Smith, who let two chances go begging earlier on, was under this one and as Hendricks walked off, Pollard blew him a kiss goodbye.
There wasn't much in the way of friendly feelings when South Africa were flaying the West Indies attack but Kieron Pollard found the time for some fun when he got the first wicket. Hendricks grew tired of being tied down and tried to force something but could not get a slower ball away. Dwayne Smith, who let two chances go begging earlier on, was under this one and as Hendricks walked off, Pollard blew him a kiss goodbye.
Kiss of the day II
Morne van Wyk became South Africa's third T20 centurion and second in successive games. He achieved the milestone at the ground he has made his adopted home after moving to Durban from Bloemfontein two seasons ago and had his family in attendance. After soaking in the feeling with a fist-pump followed by a private moment with his head in his hands, van Wyk acknowledged his nearest and dearest by blowing a kiss off the blade of his bat.
Morne van Wyk became South Africa's third T20 centurion and second in successive games. He achieved the milestone at the ground he has made his adopted home after moving to Durban from Bloemfontein two seasons ago and had his family in attendance. After soaking in the feeling with a fist-pump followed by a private moment with his head in his hands, van Wyk acknowledged his nearest and dearest by blowing a kiss off the blade of his bat.
Gamechanger of the day
Aaron Phangiso is used to playing a supporting role to Imran Tahir but found himself the premier spinner in the XI today and stepped up. He was introduced in the Powerplay with West Indies going well and the potential for him to be targeted high but decided he would dictate terms. His first delivery was tossed up to Dwayne Smith, who was rooted to his crease and swung lazily. He missed and leg stump was pegged back to start South Africa's march to victory.
Aaron Phangiso is used to playing a supporting role to Imran Tahir but found himself the premier spinner in the XI today and stepped up. He was introduced in the Powerplay with West Indies going well and the potential for him to be targeted high but decided he would dictate terms. His first delivery was tossed up to Dwayne Smith, who was rooted to his crease and swung lazily. He missed and leg stump was pegged back to start South Africa's march to victory.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo's South Africa correspondent