New Zealand vs South Africa, Only T20I Preview: Proteas Face Stern Test from Hosts
Jan 6, 2019 at 3:51 AM
After thrashing Sri Lanka at home and grabbing the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings, South Africa is now preparing to face the in-form New Zealand in the upcoming series, which comprises of a one-off T20I and five ODIs. The Proteas would be relieved with the fact that the tour match in Auckland was washed out due to rain. While a tour game has its importance, but it’s much better to get rid of the jet lag rather than playing a game with a fatigue ridden body, just 48 hours after playing a 50-over match.
On the other hand, New Zealand is also fresh from an impressive series win against Australia and would want to capitalise on their current form.
Team Composition:
South Africa isn’t planning to go the experimental way which cost them the T20 leg of the home series against Sri Lanka. While it had its own benefits wherein the promising names got great exposure; New Zealand, at their home, is a far superior side than a touring Sri Lankan side. The batting-order seems sorted with the top six comprising of Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, David Miller and JP Duminy.
Going by the nature of the Auckland wicket and the weather conditions, an all-out pace attack along with a spinner would be the best possible bowling attack. The Eden Park, with its shorter dimensions, deans hard-hitters in the side. Therefore, adding an extra seam bowling all-rounder won’t be an option. If we go by the above mentioned order, probably Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorious, Wayne Parnell and Kagiso Rababa would form the pace attack.
There has been a lot of focus on fitness from the New Zealand side lately and head coach Mike Hesson has made sure his side’s top members are properly rested ahead of the all-important bilateral series. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner and skipper Kane Williamson all had injury troubles but now seem fit after week’s rest.
Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the T20I and the first two ODIs due to a hamstring injury he suffered in training. Uncapped wicket-keeper batsman Glenn Phillips has been named as his replacement.
Probable XI:
South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, JP Duminy, Chris Morris, Dwaine Pretorius, Wayne Parnell/Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir,
New Zealand: Glenn Phillips, Tom Bruce, Kane Williamson, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Corey Anderson, James Neesham, Ben Wheeler/ Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi
Match Details:
Match begins at 11:30 IST
Stats:
- David Miller will be playing his 50 T20I
- Tim Southee needs 4 more wickets to complete 50 T20I scalps.
- Imran Tahir is just one wicket away from 50 T20I wickets
Who Said What?
“We’ve had a lot of guys come in and out due to injury and most of the guys who have come in have been able to deliver straightaway and it’s a good sign for us. Also that we don’t rely on only one or two players which some other sides around the world do. It’s important for us that we continue to develop depth in all forms and we are starting to,” New Zealand coach Mick Henson.
“It’s not ideal. Usually we have a seven to ten day period to acclimatise,” Mohammad Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor speaks about the tight scheduling.