South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd ODI, 5 Talking Points

Modified Feb 25, 2017 14:22 IST

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 25: Dwaine Pretorius of South Africa celebrates with David Miller after taking the wicket of Mitchell Santner of New Zealand during game three of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Westpac Stadium on February 25, 2017 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) — Pretorius produced a fantastic spell of seam bowling to trigger a collapse

#2 South Africa's middle order woes

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 25: Jean-Paul Duminy of South Africa bats during game three of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Westpac Stadium on February 25, 2017 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) — Duminy's form is a cause for concern

South Africa may have won 12 of their last 13 games, but that does not mean they have no worries in the line-up. Their middle order has been held together by some dynamic performances by de Villiers and du Plessis, with Miller coming good on a few occasions.

However, JP Duminy's form has been worrisome as has that of reserve batsman, Farhaan Behardien. Miller too has looked far from his best since his comeback from injury although he looked fine in a stand with de Villiers in the previous ODI.

But going into another major tournament, South Africa cannot afford to have a faltering middle-order. There is little time to swap players so the solution seems to be to try and give the likes of Duminy and Miller more confidence. That will come by giving them more responsibility in the batting order.

Giving Duminy a game or two at No. 3 could give him some much-needed confidence before the Champions Trophy.