Eden Park, Auckland is the venue for the third T20 International between New Zealand and South Africa, the game takes place on Friday and the series is now all square at 1-1 with 3 to play.
This is a 5 match series, the opening contest took place at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday and South Africa came through with a 7 wicket win after bowling New Zealand out for 91.
The second match was staged at Hamilton on Tuesday and this time the outcome was very different as New Zealand squared things up with a 68 run victory. South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl and NZ posted 175/6 with Man of the Match Devon Conway top scoring with 60. There were a few cameos down the order and the hosts cleared the ropes 7 times whilst Wiaan Mulder (2/14 from just 2 overs) was the top SA wicket taker.
At 31/3 just after the powerplay the chase was in trouble early and never looked like threatening. George Linde top scored with 33 including 3 of the Proteas 6 maximums and there were 3 wickets a piece for Lockie Ferguson and Ben sears as the visitors were all out for 107 in 15.3 overs.
This was how the teams lined up in the 2nd T20
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (wk), Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Josh Clarkson, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, Wiaan Mulder, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Nqobani Mokoena, Ottneil Baartman
The Betting:
At the time of writing New Zealand are trading at around 5/10 to win the game with South Africa priced at 14/10.
Prices are subject to change
The Verdict:
There are injuries on both sides with Jordan Hermann the latest to be ruled out of the series with a hamstring. NZ were looking to give players certain matches of the 5 available and Mitch Santner was earmarked for the first 3, I’ll look to him bowing out on a high as top NZ bowler.
In the Player Performance market I’ll go with wicket keeper Connor Esterhuizen, who top scored in the 1st T20, to beat a quote which might have some “blue sky” in it.
Bets: Top NZ Bowler Mitch Santner at 3.75/1 with WSB
Player Performance Connor Esterhuizen over 29.5 at 17/20 with WSB
