New Zealand canter to victory in 2nd ODI against South Africa to level series

Tom Latham sweeps during the 2^nd ODI against South Africa

Man of the Match Martin Guptill hit a century as New Zealand chased down South Africa’s score of 204 in 44.3 overs, losing only 2 wickets in the process. After having lost the first match by 20 runs, the series is now level at 1-1.

South Africa’s batsmen struggled early on, reduced to 20/2 in the first 4 overs. Rilee Rossouw(39 off 51) and AB De Villiers(31 off 45) built a partnership, but their score would have been even worse had it not been for Farhaan Behardien’s(70 off 87 balls) brave show at the lower order. He stitched together a 54-run stand with Vernon Philander.

In reply, the Kiwi batsmen got off to a sensible but attacking start. Philander was the only bowler from the Proteas ranks who troubled the visitors, but the result never seemed in doubt.

Guptill’s 103 off 134 balls was his highest score against South Africa in ODIs. The target was chased down with 33 balls to spare.