South Africa finally showed why they are rated so high in the world cricket, with the help of left-arm pacer W.Parnell and A.B.Devilliers they were able to bounce back in ongoing Champions Trophy by beating New Zealand comfortably by five wickets to keep their hopes alive.
After losing the game against Sri Lanka badly they are in desperate situation to win the game against New Zealand and they did with so much ease before a large, holiday crowd.
After bowling out New Zealand for just 214 in 47.3 overs, they chase down the score with plenty of overs in their bag. Now they must win their next game also to secure their berth in the semi final of Champions Trophy 2009.
South Africans showed a high class performance in the field right from the start and they manage to maintain the same intensity till the end to register a comfortable win. Once again South Africa skipper Graeme Smith won the toss and put New Zealand into bat. His decision was well supported by new bowling sensation W.Parnell (5/57) and Dayle Steyn (2/32) which was well supported by left –arm spinner Van der Merwe (1/35) who bowled exceptionally well on the pitch which provided ample help to the spinners.
New Zealand inning never get going as they continued to lose the wickets at the worng moment. First when B.McCullum (44 runs of 68 balls) who looks set to get big score got out at the wrong moment and then G.Elliot (39 runs of 48 balls) who put on a solid 71 run partnership for the fourth wicket with R.Taylor (72 runs of 106 balls) got out just when it was needed to up the scoring rates for his team.
Apart from Taylor and Elliot partnership no other significant partnership was build during New Zealand innings and that was the main reason they bowled out so cheaply.
Chasing such small total was never going to be difficult for the protease but early wicket of South African Captain given some hope to New Zealanders. But A.B.Devilliers (70 runs of 76 balls) and J.Kallis (36 runs of 39 balls) played so well which shattered any hopes for New Zealand of winning the game.
Now both teams will play their next game on Sunday 27th of September. New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka at Johannesburg while South Africa will take on England at Centurion in a day/night encounter.
Wayne Parnell was declared Player of the Match for his match winning spell of 5/57.
Match Summary (South Africa won by 5 Wickets)
New Zealand– 214/10 in 47.3 Overs
R.Taylor- 72B.McCullum– 44
W.Parnell– 8-0-57-5Re van der Merwe- 8-2-28-3
South Africa – 217/5 in 41.1 Overs
A.B.Devilliers- 70*Hashim Amla– 38
D.Tuffey– 9-1-52-2D.Vettori- 10-1-35-1
South Africa v New Zealand Champions Trophy Highlights
