New Zealand The Team To Beat
New Zealand have been the team to beat in the Tri-Nation Series featuring the Kiwis along with South Africa and hosts Pakistan. The New Zealanders look to have seamlessly adapted to ODI Cricket from a season of Tests and look good to stage a strong challenge for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Glenn Phillips & Kane Shine
In the first match of the Series the Kiwis had beaten Pakistan comprehensively in a one sided affair with Glenn Phillips playing a stellar knock. In the second match against South Africa it was Kane Williamson with his majestic ton who made all the difference in Lahore.
Mathew Breetzke – A Great Ton On Debut
South African debutant Mathew Breetzke played an innings to remember. The young batter scored a sparkling 150 of just 148 balls studded with 11 fours and 5 massive sixes. A whole range of batsmanship was on display by Breetzke who first consolidated and then in the company of Wiaan Mulder ( 64 ) cut loose with an array of brilliant stroke making.
South Africa Set 305 For New Zealand
South Africa put up a decent target of 305 runs for the Kiwis to chase. Targets, in and around the 300 mark are good targets but are not necessarily scary for the opposition. They are more gettable than not.
Exquisitely Majestic Williamson
Will Young went early, but then came the match winning partnership between Devon Conway (playing in place of the injured Rachin Ravindra) and the master Kane Williamson. Surprisingly Williamson was the more aggressive of the two and played the way only Kane can. His shot making was decorated with exquisite timing and sublime touch which was so pleasing to the eye. Conway continued to give support and the inexperienced Proteas’ bowling attack struggled for a breakthrough.
Kane-Conway Partnership Wins It For The Kiwis
A massive partner of 187 runs of just 155 balls virtually sealed the match for New Zealand. Though Senuran Muthuswamy accounted for Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham on successive deliveries, the damage had been done. Unfortunately for Devon Conway he missed his ton ( 97 ) by a whisker but his contribution and coming back to form would make the Kiwis very pleased.
Kane The Player Of The Match
Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips then ensured victory without any further hiccups. Kane scored his 14th hundred in the ODI format and was declared the Player of the Match.
Kiwis Through To The Finals
With this victory New Zealand qualified for the Final of the Tri-Nation Series and will play the winner of the South Africa-Pakistan Match to be played out tomorrow.