Hamilton is the venue for the second T20 International between New Zealand and South Africa, the game takes place on Tuesday and in terms of the series the Proteas are 1-0 up with 4 to play.
This is a 5 match series and the opening contest took place at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday. South Africa are without the bulk of the squad who were on duty in the recent T20 World Cup and started as very much the underdogs but they drew first blood with a comfortable 7 wicket win.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first but they lasted just 14.3 overs, bowled out for 91. Only 4 batsmen made it to double figures and James Neesham top scored with 26. Man of the Match Nqobani Mokoena took 3 wickets and there were 2 each for Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman and the skipper Keshav Maharaj and New Zealand hit just the 2 maximums along with 7 boundaries.
The chase was completed in 16.4 overs with wicket keeper Connor Esterhuizen, who opened the batting, unbeaten with 45 off 48 balls including 2 of his sides 3 maximums. Jamieson, Foulkes and Santner took a wicket a piece.
This was how the teams lined up in the 1st T20
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (wk), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears
*Ish Sodhi did not play on Sunday and has now been ruled out of the rest of the series
South Africa: Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Jordan Hermann, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman
The Betting:
At the time of writing New Zealand are trading at around 8/15 to win the game with South Africa priced at 13/10.
Prices are subject to change
The Verdict:
That was a good effort from the Proteas bowlers on Sunday though you would expect a reaction form the hosts who can ill afford to go 2-0 down.
Lockie Ferguson is expected to play matches 2 and 3 as New Zealand juggle resources across the whole series and I can see him among the wickets. In the Proteas top bowler market I’m with Gerald Coetzee.
Bets: Top NZ Bowler Lockie Ferguson at 31/10 with Sportingbet
Top SA Bowler Gerald Coetzee at 34/10 with Sportingbet
