The Boxing Day clash thankfully got added significance following the tourists’ impressive last-ball win at East London. Down and out for larger parts of the game, it was left to the experience of Martin Guptill to guide the team to a much-needed victory after all the off and on-field troubles.
With Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee all not on board, the Kiwis were dismantled on a lowly 86 in the first game, prompting many to side with the home team for the remainder of the series. However, Guptill’s magical knock has managed to instill a sense of self-belief in the camp, and skipper Brendon McCullum will now be hoping that the team can build from that miraculous win.
The challenge for him is to keep his side motivated and hungrier for more success, and victory will indeed keep them in good stead ahead of the important Test bouts. They will again be relying on the experienced hands to deliver the goods. The top three comprises of Guptill, Rob Nicol and McCullum, and the Kiwis will be banking on their batting prowess to get them up and running.
The bowling contingent is relatively new, which means added responsibility rests on the likes of Doug Bracewell and Nathan McCullum, both of whom were in impressive touch in the previous game. Despite being added to the Test squad, it is likely that Mitchell McClenaghan will make way for Trent Boult after the latter recovered from illness.
The hosts will be disappointed not to claim a win but still remain favourites to clinch the series. Under Faf du Plessis, the relatively second string Proteas line-up has shown impressive prowess, and will be eager to bounce back swiftly, further treating the fans with a usual dose.
Du Plessis has led from the front in terms of runs, coming in one down in both the matches and anchoring the innings. He scored an unbeaten 38 in the opening game, before notching up a sublime half-century to guide his side to an imposing total. He also displayed impressive leadership skills, and will indeed hope to end on a high.
The middle-order was tinkered with in the last game, and one expects the Proteas to follow a similar pattern. David Miller’s quick-fire knock earned him praise from his skipper, and he will again be looking to enhance his reputation.
Despite the Test series looming, the Proteas will be inclined to play Morne Morkel in a must-win game. The only player yet to get a game is Justin Ontong and one expects him to come in for the out of form Richard Levi.
The pitch at Port Elizabeth will aid bowlers with some extra bounce. Hopefully, there will be no interruptions of any sort this time around.
South Africa: 1 Richard Levi/ Justin Ontong, 2 Henry Davids, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Quinton de Kock (wk), 5 Farhaan Behardien, 6 David Miller, 7 Robin Peterson, 8 Ryan McLaren, 9 Aaron Phangiso, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Rory Kleinveldt
New Zealand: 1 Rob Nicol, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Brendon McCullum (capt & wk), 4 James Franklin, 5 Colin Munro, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Nathan McCullum, 8 Jimmy Neesham, 9 Doug Bracewell, 10 Ronnie Hira, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan/Trent Boult
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