Once Wayne Parnell and Roelof vand er Merwe took care of New Zealand’s batting, South Africa was steered away from the dangers of Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori by AB de Villiers.
AB’s seventy unbeaten runs proved pivotal for South Africa who could not afford to lose their second Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Centurion. Important contributions earlier in the day was given by opener Hashim Amla (thirty-eight runs) and Jacques Kallis (thirty-six runs) with captain Smith departing in the sixth over for just seven runs courtesy Daryll Tuffey. Kallis though was lucky to survive a previous caught behind even as sound indicated he had nicked the ball.
A target of 215 was simply too low for New Zealand to defend and though their top bowlers did reasonably well, South Africa even with four wickets down for 138 looked to get the target comfortably.
South Africa still had to work for it as they kept losing wickets and it needed the steady, small hands from JP Duminy, Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel to see them through with more than nine overs to spare.
The hosts live to fight another day.
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South African Murmurs About Centurion
CT PAK v WI Full Time: WI Bowlers Put Pak Under Duress
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CT PAK v WI Half Time: Pak Bowlers Enjoy Workout
Kirsten’s Mantra for India: Sex!
India Have Yuvraj Singh on Serious Injury List
ICC Champions Trophy Points Table and News in the Run Up
CT PAK v WI Preview: Shahid’s Moment to Shine
CT SA v SL Full Time: Hosts Suffer Shock Defeat
CT SA v SL Half Time: Hosts Face Stiff Target
CT SA v SL Preview: SA Want Good Start, Despite Losing Gibbs
Rahul Slams Preparations, Defies Fears After Loss
CT Teams Group B-South Africa Want it More Than Any One Else
