New Zealand vs South Africa – 2nd ODI – Match Update – SA restrict NZ to a modest 230

Question

<p><strong>New Zealand vs South Africa – 2^nd ODI – Match Update – SA restrict NZ to a modest 230</strong></p>
<p>Excellent bowling display by the South African pacers helped their side to restrict New Zealand to a modest 230 in the 2^nd ODI, played at the McLean Park, Napier, February 29, 2012.</p>
<p>Needing a win to keep the series alive, the hosts were dealt an early blow after opener, Rob Nicol, was adjudged lbw off Lonwabo Tsotsobe for 11. However, a relative steady start of 24 was given the added force by the second wicket-pairing of Martin Guptill
and skipper, Brendon McCullum, as the duo added 107.</p>
<p>After surviving a couple of close calls early on in his innings, McCullum blossomed to give his team the edge, while his partner also got down to business with yet another half-century – his seventh of the home summer.</p>
<p>With both batsmen now stacking up runs with considerable ease, Guptill fell against the run of play as he edged behind to depart for 58. The Kiwi skipper chanced his luck for the umpteenth time to smash his second six to the square leg boundary.</p>
<p>However, all changed dramatically when the Black Caps opted to take the Power Play in the 33^rd over of the game. AB de Villiers brought back Tsotsobe and Morne Morkel as the two combined effectively to dismantle the middle and lower- order.</p>
<p>Kane Williamson was the first one to depart after he failed to clear the mid-on fielder, where Jacques Kallis took an excellent catch pedaling back. The left-armer then got his third victim and the most crucial of all – McCullum’s hostility finally came
to his demise after his attempted flick found the square leg fielder. The skipper’s powerful knock of 85 remained the last noteworthy involvement of an otherwise disintegrated batting performance.</p>
<p>Dale Steyn than got his first scalp as he dismissed the dangerous Jesse Ryder for naught. &nbsp;The Power Play yielded three crucial wickets for the tourist but what followed was even more appalling as Morkel than got into the act.</p>
<p>The lanky pacer took the remaining five wickets to complete a master class performance from the Proteas unit as the Kiwi’s folded on a disappointing 230 in 47.3 overs. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Apart from Tim Southee’s brisk 28 off 27 balls, the lower order struggled against the fiery seamer, who ended with impressive figures of 5-38.</p>
<p>With series up for grabs, the NZ bowling contingent will need to make early inroads to&nbsp; give themselves a chance to dismantle a formidable South African lineup. &nbsp;</p>