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

Modified Mar 04, 2017 15:13 IST

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 04: Kagiso Rabada of South Africa bowls during game five of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on March 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) — Rabada set Eden Park on fire with an incredible spell of bowling

#3 Have South Africa found the right bowling combination for CT?

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 07: Wayne Parnell of the Proteas celebrates during the 4th ODI between South Africa and Sri Lanka at PPC Newlands on February 07, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Despite his recent form, Parnell might miss out in the final 11 like today

With four all-rounders at their disposal, South Africa were using the previous two series to find the right way to use them. They knew right through that Rabada would be the one opening the bowling from one end.

Morris' sensational bowling with the new ball in this series had put him on the front seat to open with Rabada. But Parnell had also bowled decently. The form of Phehlukwayo and Pretorius kept improving with each game and their superb shows with the bat now mean the combination in the final ODI might be the one they use in CT.

Parnell wasn't part of the eleven in the final game, and could find himself sidelined in the Champions Trophy as well if Pretorius and Phehlukwayo keep putting in performances as good as this.

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I am a passionate Cricket fan first and a writer, second. I find empty spaces and fill them with words. And if it's cricket, the words keep flowing. The views I express portray a direct reflection of my love for the game and its finer details.

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Edited by Staff Editor