In an intense second match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, South Africa set a challenging target of 305 runs for New Zealand on Monday. South African opener Matthew Breetzke was the star of the innings, delivering a stunning knock of 150 off 148 balls, which included 11 boundaries and 5 sixes, providing a solid foundation for his team.
Wiaan Mulder supported Breetzke well with a quickfire 64 off 60 balls, while Jason Smith added a steady 41 from 51 balls before being run out. Despite these contributions, New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on with Matt Henry leading the attack, taking 2 wickets for 59 runs, and Michael Bracewell chipping in with 1 for 43.
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Key wickets of Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, and Senuran Muthusamy fell in rapid succession, slowing South Africa’s momentum. Still, Breetzke’s heroics ensured that South Africa reached a competitive 304/6 at the end of their innings.
New Zealand, who won the toss and chose to bowl first, made one change to their lineup, bringing in Devon Conway in place of Rachin Ravindra, who sustained a forehead injury during their previous match against Pakistan.
In the series opener, New Zealand had secured a dominant 78-run win over Pakistan, setting up an exciting encounter against South Africa in this tri-nation series.
Playing XIs:
- New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
