 New Zealand take on South Africa in the second T20I of the series after
winning the first one convincingly.
In-form New Zealand aim to continue their momentum further as they look
to seal the series when they face South Africa in the second Twenty20 International
at Hamilton on Sunday. The visitors will be hoping to put in a much-improved
performance than the one that resulted in a six-wicket defeat for them.
Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs South Africa
Such has been the Kiwi dominance lately that the strength of the opposition
fails to have any impact on them. After ruthlessly rubbishing aside Zimbabwe,
the Kiwis were no less clinical in the first match against South Africa either.
Captain Brendon McCullum will be hoping for similar fireworks on Sunday. Martin Guptill is currently a man in rich form, having scored his sixth consecutive
international half-century. His presence at the top of the innings will again
be seen as pivotal for New Zealand's chances.
The bowlers did a fairly decent job in the first T20 and will look to carry
the same form ahead. Barring one over from Kane Williamson that yielded
26 runs, the bowlers on the whole looked well in charge. Tim Southee picked
up three wickets and continues to be a threat specially in the shorter formats
of the game.
South Africa did not expect to be outplayed this badly than they did on Friday.
Although the match went down to the final over, the visitors were never really
ahead in the match. A turn around will be expected though as they will aim to
get their noses in front. The openers were guilty of getting starts but leaving
the team in disarray. It was only a late resurgence from JP Duminy and Justin Ontong that propelled them to 147. Amongst the bowlers, only Morne Morkel
looked in some control as the win over Canterbury seemed to have faded away
in no time.
The match begins at 7.00pm local time and a full-house can be expected for the
holiday match. New Zealand chased down a 201-run target against Zimbabwe here
this week only and another high scoring match should not be ruled out.
|
