Lahore [Pakistan], February 11 : New Zealand registered a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday in the ongoing ODI Tri-Series 2025. The Kiwis put up an all-round performance, successfully chasing down the target and continuing their strong form in the tournament.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the contributions from different players and the importance of fielding on flat wickets.
"I think you wanna win but different guys performing is pleasing for the squad, and we have another big game in a few days' time in Karachi. I guess we pride ourselves on fielding, especially in the middle overs on flat wickets where there are partnerships. It was an outstanding knock from Conway and that partnership between him and Kane," Santner said after the match, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
New Zealand won the toss and decided to field against South Africa. Matthew Breetzke (150 runs from 148 balls, 11 fours and 5 sixes) and Temba Bavuma (20 runs from 23 balls, 3 fours) opened for the Proteas and solidified a 37-run partnership.
William ORourke drew the first blood for the Kiwis as he removed the South Africa skipper in the 8th over. The opening partnership was not great for Bavuma's side but Jason Smith (41 runs from 51 balls, 1 four and 2 sixes) came on the crease and pulled the Proteas back in the game with a 93-run partnership with Breetzke. Jason was unlucky to lose his wicket from a run-out in the 25th over.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne (1 run from 4 balls) failed to make a mark in the game and lost his wicket against Michael Bracewell in the 27th over.
In the 46th over, Matt Henry was successful in removing the debutant Breetzke from the crease in the 46th over.
Later in the innings, Wiaan Mulder (64 runs from 60 balls, 5 fours and 1 six) played a crucial knock and added a few crucial runs on the board. At the end of the first innings, Eathan Bosch (7 runs from 9 balls) and Mihlali Mpongwana (1 run from 2 balls) stayed unbeaten on the crease and powered the Proteas to 304/6 after the end of the 50 overs.
Matt Henry and William ORourke led the Kiwi bowling attack as they picked up two wickets each in their respective spells. Michael Bracewell also bagged one wicket in his 10-over spell. During the run chase, New Zealand played a dominating cricket. Will Young (19 runs from 31 balls, 2 fours) and Devon Conway (97 runs from 107 balls, 9 fours and 1 six) cemented a 50-run partnership which gave the Kiwis a kickstart to chase down the target.
Eathan Bosch bagged the first wicket in the second inning when he removed Young in the 10th over. Kane Williamson (133* runs from 113 balls, 13 fours and 2 sixes) replaced Young on the crease and made a 187-run partnership with Conway, which gave an upper hand to New Zealand over South Africa.
In the 36th over, Junior Dala got rid of Conway but that didn't change the match's scenario. Senuran Muthusamy removed Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham in the 39th over to put some pressure on the Kiwis but that couldn't stop Williamson.
In the end, Williamson and Glenn Phillips (28* runs from 32 balls, 1 four and 1 six) stayed unbeaten on the crease and chased down the target in the 49th over. Williamson's fiery knock helped the Kiwis clinch a six-wicket win over the Proteas.
South Africa were sloppy with their bowling attack as they failed to pick wickets and break the momentum. Senuran Muthusamy bagged two wickets in his 9-over spell.
Kane Williamson was named the 'Player of the Match' following his stupendous knock on Monday.