Guptill Wants Kiwis to Showcase ‘Complete Game’ to Seal Proteas Series

Dropped by Aaron Phangiso off his own bowling on nine, and by David Wiese from an Imran Tahir delivery on 39, Guptill went on to make his ninth ODI ton: 103 runs from 134 balls.

Doug Bracewell took ODI career-best figures of 3-31 for New Zealand to help restrict the South Africans at Senwes Park.

Guptill shared a 126-run opening stand with Tom Latham, who contributed 64, after an impressive bowling display limited the Proteas to 204 all out, in which Farhaan Behardien top-scored with 70, in the final over of their innings.

The Black Caps head to Durban full of confidence after an eight-wicket win in the second ODI saw them level the series at 1-1 on Sunday.

In the first ODI, It was eventually Hashim Amla’s fourth century in the calendar year that sealed the deal for South Africa, winning by 20 runs despite New Zealand giving a tough fight in the first of three ODIs.

“We’re bitterly disappointed today”.

He said the conditions had been challenging and he also paid tribute to Latham.

“We were about 50 runs short”.

“It was a struggle the way the pitch played and Tom really got us underway – we could cruise from there”.

“Tommy is a great kid. We did not bat well, did not get partnerships up front, put a lot of pressure on the middle order, we could not kick on at the end, if we would have got 250, it would have been a good score”.

Black Caps fans will be able to watch the two remaining one day matches against South Africa online for free after Sky TV failed to reach a broadcast deal.

Guptill said the latest win was a further reflection of the depth and attitude developing at the top level of the New Zealand game and the challenge now was to complete the job in Durban before returning to New Zealand for a summer that features clashes against Australia.