New Zealand vs South Africa – 3rd ODI – Match Preview
After overwhelming losses in the first two one-dayers, New Zealand will be looking to put behind their off-field troubles and gear up to prevent an unwanted whitewash when they battle South Africa in the 3rd ODI, played at the Eden Park, Auckland, March 3, 2012.
The hosts have endured a turbulent time against the touring Proteas, where they failed to build on their impressive work earlier in the home summer - beating Zimbabwe in all formats of the game.
Before that, they also managed to win their first Test on Aussie soil in over two decades, but their shortcomings have been exploited by their recent opponents, which have been lethal in pouncing on any blip provided by the Black Caps.
After losing the T20 in acrimonious fashion, the host again showed frailties in posting decent scores -despite positioning themselves in command. The first ODI saw two half-centuries from Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson but the late order failed to give the much -needed lift in the final overs.
Their collapse in the second one-dayer was even more appalling, where at one stage they were poised to score in excess of 300. However, their aggressive intent eventually led to their own downfall as the Proteas attack again proved too hot to handle.
Apart from their on-field debacles, Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell further added to the their side’s woes after both were found in breach of the team’s code of conduct following a drunk night-out in Napier, where the team lost the second ODI.
The duo were further involved in an altercation with a patron, leading the Kiwi management to drop them for the last match – along with casting doubts on their futures, especially Ryder, who was omitted from the Test squad as well.
The team composition will certainly be tinkered after the disciplinary charge handed out, with Tom Latham expected to book his place in the middle-order. The pace department has been poor so far, so the home team might be looking to include two spinners.
The Proteas, on the other hand, will be thrilled with the outcome of the tour so far, where every member has contributed significantly. AB de Villiers has led from the front, while his batting has blossomed to new heights – which include a match - winning century at Wellington.
The middle-order stability has also been attributed to Jean Paul Duminy and Faf du Plessis, who have been thoroughly impressive in taking on the Kiwi bowling attack.
Also, the form of their pacers has been scintillating with Morne Morkel leading the pack with buoyancy and guile, closely followed by Lonwabo Tsotsobe. Their performances have allowed Dale Steyn to take a backseat, with him being used as the third seamer. He might also be given rest, which means Wayne Parnell gets a game.
The composition might further include changes with Johan Botha in line to make an appearance. Doubts remain over Graeme Smith’s fitness and he is expected to miss out. The tourists have often been criticized for a lack of killer instinct but they will be eager to put such notion to rest and claim a deserving clean sweep before going on to play in the longer version.
The pitch at Auckland will support batters, but the windy forecast could make things interesting for the new-ball bowlers. There is also a remote chance of rain on Saturday.
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