SA edge NZ in first ODI
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
DURBAN, Nov 26 (Reuters): AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Mark Boucher powered South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one- day international Sunday.
After New Zealand had totalled 248 for six, South Africa reached their target off the last ball of the match with two wickets to spare.
"We expected New Zealand to be very competitive in this format and we expected a good contest against them," South Africa captain Graeme Smith told reporters.
"This is a good reality check because to win a tight game is always good."
De Villiers scored 87 to marshal the first half of the innings, Duminy took charge of much of the chase with his 46, and Boucher's 35 not out completed the job.
New Zealand did themselves no favours by dropping De Villiers on 21, Boucher on five, and Andre Nel, who was 10 not out, on nought in the final over.
Jamie How's career best 90, which surpassed his previous best of 66 against West Indies in Wellington in 2005-06, guided New Zealand to their respectable total.
How steadied New Zealand in a second-wicket stand of 72 with opener Brendon McCullum (40), which was ended in the 23rd over when off-spinner Johan Botha bowled the New Zealand wicketkeeper.
South Africa 249-8 (50 overs) bt New Zealand 248-6 (50 overs) by two wickets.
After New Zealand had totalled 248 for six, South Africa reached their target off the last ball of the match with two wickets to spare.
"We expected New Zealand to be very competitive in this format and we expected a good contest against them," South Africa captain Graeme Smith told reporters.
"This is a good reality check because to win a tight game is always good."
De Villiers scored 87 to marshal the first half of the innings, Duminy took charge of much of the chase with his 46, and Boucher's 35 not out completed the job.
New Zealand did themselves no favours by dropping De Villiers on 21, Boucher on five, and Andre Nel, who was 10 not out, on nought in the final over.
Jamie How's career best 90, which surpassed his previous best of 66 against West Indies in Wellington in 2005-06, guided New Zealand to their respectable total.
How steadied New Zealand in a second-wicket stand of 72 with opener Brendon McCullum (40), which was ended in the 23rd over when off-spinner Johan Botha bowled the New Zealand wicketkeeper.
South Africa 249-8 (50 overs) bt New Zealand 248-6 (50 overs) by two wickets.