Eden Park on point
It took most of the week - but Auckland’s weather finally turned up late on Friday. 70 mls of rain fell on Eden Park throughout the day but the player’s wouldn’t have known it when they turned up two hours before the match to a pristine pitch. Bravo to the curators!
A special moment
At 20-years of age Glenn Phillips became BLACKCAP T20 player number 74. He was presented his cap by Tim Southee who quipped “I’m glad you’re getting this cap and not a South African one” in reference to Phillip’s country of birth.
Toss time
BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to give his seamers first crack on a pitch which had been undercover for the best part of two days. Ben Wheeler came into the eleven as the third seamer with Colin de Grandhomme picked as the all rounder instead of spinner Ish Sodhi. Seamers Dane Paterson and Andile Phehlukwayo were named in the South African side to back up the regular big guns.
The elegance of Amla 
It’s the power hitting which brings most crowds to twenty20 games, but Hashim Amla is an example of how class and finesse still has it’s place in the shortest format. The classy opener was a pleasure to watch in the early stages of the Protea’s innings, effortlessly bringing up 50 of 32 balls.
Boult sublime
Coming off career best figures of 6-33 in the Chappell-Hadlee, Trent Boult’s red hot form continued. The left armer bowled with pace, swing and superb accuracy to finish with the sparkling figures 2-8 from his four overs. An incredible effort consider South Africa scored 185 and the fact he had a catch dropped off his bowling.
Cameos
The big names names delivered through the middle for the visitors. Du Plessis (36 off 25), AB de Villiers (26 off 17) and JP Duminy (28 off 16) completed textbook T20 innings as they came and played their shots without wasting too many deliveries. Their efforts helping South Africa post 185-6, although it could have been more…
Morris?
Not a Steyn, a Morkel or a Philander - but a Morris!? Many Kiwis may have been wondering who Chris Morris was, but he soon showed why he’s a star of the IPL. The tall right armer bulldozed the BLACKCAPS top order, removing Phillips and the dangerous Colin Munro in a blistering opening spell where he netted 2-10 from his three overs.
Tahir tears in
The world’s number one white ball bowler lived up to his billing. His changes of pace and well disguised googlie stifled the BLACKCAPS through the middle. Career best figures of 5-24 said it all. Too good this time and a deserved man of the match. His celebrations didn’t disappoint either…
78
The end margin and who could argue. South Africa were clearly the better side on the night and will take the early tour momentum. Five ODIs are up next - starting in Hamilton on Sunday.
