South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 2nd ODI, 5 Talking Points

Modified Feb 22, 2017 12:17 IST

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 22: Kane Williamson of New Zealand bats during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval on February 22, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Williamson made a handy half-century before falling to Tahir

#2 de Villiers falls after holding together the batting line-up

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 22: AB de Villiers of South Africa bats during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval on February 22, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — de Villiers fell after threatening to fire

A chase of 290 on a sluggish wicket was never going to be easy. de Kock gave the Proteas a decent start but found himself running out of partners as Amla and Faf du Plessis were dismissed in quick succession. After Duminy and de Kock himself had departed, de Villiers knew he had to play the anchor role if South Africa were to chase the total down.

The dynamic batsman played positive cricket but did not try for the big shots as he and Miller strung together a 68 run stand before the latter was caught behind off an Ish Sodhi wrong 'un. de Villiers had a string of all-rounders partnering him thereafter and knew that if he stayed at crease, the chase was on.

However, the ODI skipper only managed to edge Trent Boult off a slow bouncer to be dismissed for 45 off 49 balls.