South Africa v New Zealand, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the second ODI, South Africa v New Zealand, 2015-16
15-Apr-2016
At Potchefstroom, August 23, 2015. New Zealand won by eight wickets. Toss: South Africa. One-day international debut: G. H. Worker.
Starved of international cricket, the people of Potchefstroom turned up in droves - unlike their team, who didn't turn up at all. The New Zealanders were outstanding, the South Africans insipid and indecisive. The pitch, so slow that batsmen facing anything except a half-volley or full toss were spoilt for choice, wasn't great either. In the closing overs Guptill received some help from the debutant, George Worker, to ensure he reached a deserved century. He and Latham had put on 126, a New Zealand record for the first wicket against South Africa (surpassing 114 at the 1992 World Cup between Latham's father, Rod, and Mark Greatbatch). But, for all the runs from the top of the order, the win - as Guptill admitted - had been engineered by the bowlers. Milne was fast and accurate once again, and Bracewell swung the ball with skill and precision. However, it was the mixed-up, gentle medium-pace of Elliott that did most to stifle the home batting.
Man of the Match: M. J. Guptill.
Starved of international cricket, the people of Potchefstroom turned up in droves - unlike their team, who didn't turn up at all. The New Zealanders were outstanding, the South Africans insipid and indecisive. The pitch, so slow that batsmen facing anything except a half-volley or full toss were spoilt for choice, wasn't great either. In the closing overs Guptill received some help from the debutant, George Worker, to ensure he reached a deserved century. He and Latham had put on 126, a New Zealand record for the first wicket against South Africa (surpassing 114 at the 1992 World Cup between Latham's father, Rod, and Mark Greatbatch). But, for all the runs from the top of the order, the win - as Guptill admitted - had been engineered by the bowlers. Milne was fast and accurate once again, and Bracewell swung the ball with skill and precision. However, it was the mixed-up, gentle medium-pace of Elliott that did most to stifle the home batting.
Man of the Match: M. J. Guptill.