Guptill smashes half-century as NZ draw T20 series

New Zealand, who posted a competitive 177 for 7, then came out like a side possessed to defend the score with gusto despite the odd pockets of brilliance from South Africa’s dynamic batting line-up.

Having won the toss and elected to bowl, South Africa restricted New Zealand to 151 for eight by taking the final seven wickets for 40 runs.

The touring side’s innings was given impetus by Martin Guptill’s thunderous half-century that included a trio of sixes to accompany eight fours in a 35-ball knock of 60. The intention of continuing their aggressive game, and not buckling down at the fall of wickets in the middle, bore fruit as the opening stand of 52 between Kane Williamson (25) and Guptill served as a proper launch pad.

But Phangiso rocked it when, after fluffing the opportunity to run out Williamson when Guptill sent him back earlier in the over, he drew the New Zealand captain forward and found him short of his ground.

De Villiers had missed South Africa’s recent tour of Bangladesh owing to the birth of his child, but returned to lead his side – in the absence of injured skipper Faf du Plessis – and score 33 as the Proteas chased down their target of 152 with 13 balls left. Neesham and Munro were dismissed in consecutive deliveries by Kagiso Rabada and Nathan McCullum successfully managed to negotiate the hattrick ball.

TV UMPIRE: Adrian Holdstock (South Africa). To find out, watch the South Africa vs. New Zealand cricket Second T20 global match live online in the United States using one of several options.

The Proteas were denied yet again in the last four of a World Cup in dramatic fashion, going down to co-hosts New Zealand by four wickets in Auckland – but the Black Caps are on South African soil now for a three-match series.

Aaron Phangiso’s first ball was hammered wide of a diving AB de Villiers at cover, while Nathan McCullum’s first over was boundary-less, but only because Williamson pulled off an exceptional stop and mid-off.

De Villiers, Rilee Rossouw, Farhaan Behardien and Miller all had the opportunity to put that right but none showed the patience required to do that.

New Zealand new ball pair Doug Bracewell (1-17 off three overs) and Adam Milne (1-23 off 3.5) were sharp, but lacked support. “We lost two wickets in a row a couple of times, which puts the brakes on”. “He has got the backing of the whole side, especially the senior players and the management group”.