6th ODI: New Zealand v South Africa at Wellington, 30 Mar 1999
Ball-by-Ball Commentary
Welcome to the Basin Reserve for the sixth and final Bank of New
Zealand Series One-Day International
South Africa have won the toss and have chosen to bat first, on a
lovely sunny day in Wellington, it's already quite warm and
expected to get up to 22 degrees today
the crowd is brimming, a full house of 12,000 today
the umpires Evan Watkin and Steve Dunne make their way out to the
middle, followed by the New Zealand side, who have just the one
change - Carl Bulfin back in for Bryan Young, in front of his home
crowd
South Africa field an unchanged line up, Gibbs and Kirsten opening
and they make their way to the centre now
Geoff Allott will open the bowling with the wind behind his back
from the Vance Stand end
Gary Kirsten to face
0.1 Allott to Kirsten, no run, straight outside off, defends back down
to the wicket to the bowler
0.2 Allott to Kirsten, no run, straight on middle stump, Kirsten again
is in behind it, defending back to Allott
0.3 Allott to Kirsten, no run, wafts at one much wider outside off,
misses
0.4 Allott to Kirsten, no run, turns a shortish ball down to Vettori at
square leg
0.5 Allott to Kirsten, no run, fuller, driven away to Larsen who fields
across at wide mid off
0.6 Allott to Kirsten, no run, turned down to Vettori at square leg,
great start by Allott, very accurate
End of over 1 (maiden) South Africa 0/0 (RR: 0.00)
GI Allott 1-1-0-0
HH Gibbs 0* (0b) G Kirsten 0* (6b)
the scoreboard was less kindly to Allott, letting non-striker Gibbs
have 3 runs without facing a ball in that over
interestingly, Carl Bulfin is opening from the Scoreboard end,
after he said he was quite happy to be first change bowler so he
could bowl with the wind
1.1 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, wide outside off, leaves
1.2 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, a bit straighter, Gibbs is more tempted to
playing at it, jumps back and across and pushes at it late, past
the outside edge
1.3 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, tries to flick through square off middle
and leg, bounces a bit much and taken on the thigh pad
1.4 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, defends up to Horne at mid on
1.5 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, back to a shorter one, plays all over it
as it comes back in to him, through the gate and into the top of
the pad, and lodges in the pad above the knee roll, Gibbs throw
back to Bulfin to the appeals of the crowd for handled ball, a bit
hopeful :-)
1.6 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, forward defensive, and a much better start
for Bulfin than on his debut where he conceded 10 in his first
over
End of over 2 (maiden) South Africa 0/0 (RR: 0.00)
CE Bulfin 1-1-0-0
G Kirsten 0* (6b) HH Gibbs 0* (6b)
struck the pad coming back in, appeal for lbw fell on deaf ears by
Watkin
2.1 Allott to Kirsten, one run, first run of the innings, Kirsten does
well to fend down an awkward rising ball just outside off,
trickles down to third man
2.2 Allott to Gibbs, one run, flicked off the pad, down to fine leg
2.3 Allott to Kirsten, FOUR, a bit full, cracked straight down the
ground, Allott stretched to field in vain, and once it bisected
him and Larsen at mid off, it was always 4
2.4 Allott to Kirsten, no run, back cut, but doesn't get it fine
enough, straight to Harris at backward point
2.5 Allott to Kirsten, no run, straighter ball seaming back in
slightly, Kirsten is tucked up, defends down into his pad and
rolls away backward of point
2.6 Allott to Kirsten, no run, shortish and straight, Kirsten squares
around a little to defend up to mid on
End of over 3 (6 runs) South Africa 6/0 (RR: 2.00)
GI Allott 2-1-6-0
HH Gibbs 1* (7b) G Kirsten 5* (11b 1x4)
3.1 Bulfin to Gibbs, SIX, superb stuff! Bulfin overpitches and Gibbs
just leans in to it and lifts over mid off, struck as clean and as
a whistle, it had such timing it kept on flying, pitching just
over the rope
3.2 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, jumps to defend down to Vettori at square
leg
3.3 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, full, pushed up to Nash at mid off
3.4 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, good length ball, back and across outside
off, pushing to Twose, Kirsten scampers back after backing up a
bit much
3.5 Bulfin to Gibbs, one run, well played, drops a shortish ball down
in close on the leg side, dribbling slowly up towards mid on, easy
single ambled as Horne is in to field
3.6 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, looks to guide one outside off backward
of square, a bit straight on him and pushes towards short cover
End of over 4 (7 runs) South Africa 13/0 (RR: 3.25)
CE Bulfin 2-1-7-0
HH Gibbs 8* (12b 1x6) G Kirsten 5* (12b 1x4)
Nash has a long chat to Allott at mid off, still thinks he's the
captain obviously, Fleming looks away disinterested at slip,
something in the crowd at third man has caught his attention
it's all due to yet another ball problem, just 4 overs old and they
need to replace it
finally we are back and sorted out with a new replacement ball
4.1 Allott to Gibbs, no run, turned off his pad to Twose at square leg
4.2 Allott to Gibbs, FOUR, overpitched and driven straight down the
ground, too straight and fast for Nash chasing from mid off
4.3 Allott to Gibbs, two runs, flicked off the legs down to deep
backward square, a bit of a chase for Bulfin at fine leg, they run
a good second
4.4 Allott to Gibbs, one run, turned up wide of Larsen at mid on, easy
single
4.5 Allott to Kirsten, no run, beaten! lovely lifting delivery in the
channel just outside off, Kirsten drove at it but inside the line,
past the edge to a big collective 'ooh' from the crowd
4.6 Allott to Kirsten, two runs, shocking misfield by Vettori, flicked
off his pad straight to him at square leg and through the hands,
and concedes a couple for it
End of over 5 (9 runs) South Africa 22/0 (RR: 4.40)
GI Allott 3-1-15-0
HH Gibbs 15* (16b 1x4 1x6) G Kirsten 7* (14b 1x4)
5.1 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, shuffles across towards off stump, to
defend back down the wicket, to Horne who fields from mid on
5.2 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, flicked off his hip on the bounce just a
few feet short of Vettori at square leg, gets applause for
fielding it properly this time
5.3 Bulfin to Gibbs, three runs, not too short, but Gibbs is
unperturbed and rocks back to pull high over midwicket, gets under
it just a bit much, and it pitches and struggles towards the rope,
pulled in just inside
5.4 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, defends to Twose at forward square leg
5.5 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, driven firmly up to straight mid on,
Nash slides across to field
5.6 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, slower ball, Kirsten through a drive too
soon, hit into the pitch and up to Horne at mid off
End of over 6 (3 runs) South Africa 25/0 (RR: 4.17)
CE Bulfin 3-1-10-0
HH Gibbs 18* (19b 1x4 1x6) G Kirsten 7* (17b 1x4)
6.1 Allott to Gibbs, no run, quick ball, bending back into the pad,
Gibbs has a big cross batted swipe trying to hoist it over square
leg, misses, into the pad and big appeal for lbw just from the
bowler, but going down leg
6.2 Allott to Gibbs, no run, a beauty! Allott really getting it to rip
now, pace and bounce and Gibbs is done by the bounce, angling
across him outside off and lifting, tries to push it away into the
covers, past the edge
6.3 Allott to Gibbs, no run, forward defensive to Astle at short cover
6.4 Allott to Gibbs, no run, tight on the stumps again, defends away to
Astle across towards cover point
6.5 Allott to Gibbs, no run, beaten again! similar to the earlier one,
this time tried to run it off the face down to third man, beaten
for bounce
6.6 Allott to Gibbs, one run, back to a short straight one, turned down
to vacant midwicket, Larsen across from mid on fields
End of over 7 (1 run) South Africa 26/0 (RR: 3.71)
GI Allott 4-1-16-0
HH Gibbs 19* (25b 1x4 1x6) G Kirsten 7* (17b 1x4)
Bulfin is replaced after just 3 overs by Nash, may get a second
spell with the wind soon
7.1 Nash to Gibbs, one run, pull through square leg to Vettori in the
deep, didn't get hold of it at all
7.2 Nash to Kirsten, FOUR, too short, sits up and Kirsten easily swats
it down backward of square leg, well away from Twose at deep
midwicket
7.3 Nash to Kirsten, FOUR, would you believe it? he does it again, and
Kirsten pulls off his hip down to the boundary again, a bit finer,
but still sufficiently wide of Larsen at short fine leg
Twose is moved squarer now
7.4 Nash to Kirsten, no run, ironic applause from the crowd, as he dabs
it down to Harris at backward point
7.5 Nash to Kirsten, legbye: one run, short, climbs on him, tries to
get right back to pull but misses, a bit slower, and into the
shoulder, down to short third man for a leg bye
7.6 Nash to Gibbs, one run, quiet forward defensive, rolls slowly down
the pitch, absent minded fielding by NZ, too lax and somehow South
Africa steal a run from that, mid on finally comes up to clean it
up
End of over 8 (11 runs) South Africa 37/0 (RR: 4.63)
DJ Nash 1-0-10-0
HH Gibbs 21* (27b 1x4 1x6) G Kirsten 15* (21b 3x4)
8.1 Allott to Gibbs, no run, guided down to Harris at backward point
8.2 Allott to Gibbs, no run, attempted yorker, a bit overpitched and
Kirsten awkwardly defends out a low full toss back down the
wicket, Allott sprawls back to his left to partially field it,
rolls away to Nash at mid off
8.3 Allott to Gibbs, FOUR, cut hard in the air through point, Harris
makes a spectacular leap high in the air forward from backward
point, but it was flying, beats third man to the rope too
8.4 Allott to Gibbs, FOUR, fuller, heaves into it and slices over cover
point this time
8.5 Allott to Gibbs, one run, yet again, this time a bit wider and
gains a thick outside edge that flies down to third man on the
bounce
8.6 Allott to Kirsten, one run, tight ball, worked slowly up towards
Nash sprinting up from mid on, they race through for a quick
single as Nash's underarm throw at the keeper's end misses
End of over 9 (10 runs) South Africa 47/0 (RR: 5.22)
GI Allott 5-1-26-0
G Kirsten 16* (22b 3x4) HH Gibbs 30* (32b 3x4 1x6)
after 2 maidens to begin with, this pair are off to a rollicking
start, 47 off the next 7
a hold up in play as Kirsten gets his bat replaced
probably from the low full toss from Allott that struck the bottom
of the bat
9.1 Nash to Kirsten, no run, straight ball, defends down in close on
the leg side from the pad
9.2 Nash to Kirsten, one run, flicked down to short fine leg
good quick single
9.3 Nash to Gibbs, one run, another well run single, from a quiet push
up towards Horne at mid on
9.4 Nash to Kirsten, one run, another flick straight and fast to Larsen
at short fine leg, but Gibbs is so quick backing up and calling
through, that by the time Larsen picks up to shy, they're already
effectively through
9.5 Nash to Gibbs, no run, sharp fielding by Astle at short midwicket,
Gibbs charged, cross batted pull down, had to adjust as it was a
bit straight on him, and Astle snatches it as it's played in front
of him
9.6 Nash to Gibbs, no run, yorker, dug right out on the off side
End of over 10 (3 runs) South Africa 50/0 (RR: 5.00)
DJ Nash 2-0-13-0
G Kirsten 18* (25b 3x4) HH Gibbs 31* (35b 3x4 1x6)
and indeed, Carl Bulfin replaces Allott with the win now behind his
back from the Vance Stand end
chant goes up for Bulfin from a bunch on the terraces
10.1 Bulfin to Kirsten, two runs, guides away through backward point,
piercing the tight off side field, and they run a quick second to
Larsen fielding up from third man
10.2 Bulfin to Kirsten, one run, short, pulled down from chest height to
long leg, Horne fields
10.3 Bulfin to Gibbs, FOUR, wide outside off, Gibbs launches in to it,
flies over Harris leaping at point and races away
Gibbs is firmly on the offensive, not totally convincing, but
effective enough
10.4 Bulfin to Gibbs, no run, defends a straighter ball that keeps
lower, into the pads
10.5 Bulfin to Gibbs, FOUR, short and rising, Gibbs is quickly back to
pull over midwicket, a couple of big tennis ball bounces and over
the rope
10.6 Bulfin to Gibbs, FOUR, pushes forward in defence, guides it away
wide of slip and fine enough of Horne at third man
End of over 11 (15 runs) South Africa 65/0 (RR: 5.91)
CE Bulfin 4-1-25-0 - Vance Stand End
G Kirsten 21* (27b 3x4) HH Gibbs 43* (39b 6x4 1x6)
15 off the over, and South Africa are off to a flyer after a slow
start
11.1 Nash to Kirsten, one run, turned down through square leg, Twose
scrambles up from the boundary, Kirsten races the first and comes
a third of the way down for the second, but Gibbs doesn't want it,
but Twose kills any hope of a possible run out by throwing to the
keeper's end
11.2 Nash to Gibbs, one run, full, turned wide of mid on, Horne dives to
field inside the circle
11.3 Nash to Kirsten, no run, slower ball, pushes quietly forward in
defence on the off side
11.4 Nash to Kirsten, legbye: one run, advances, taken on the pad and it
rolls down to Larsen at short fine leg
11.5 Nash to Gibbs, legbye: FOUR, tries to flick off the pads, only gets
a fine tickle from his pad and wide of a diving Parore down the
leg side
11.6 Nash to Gibbs, no run, back to a short one outside off, bottom edge
into the pitch, rolls back up to Nash
End of over 12 (7 runs) South Africa 72/0 (RR: 6.00)
DJ Nash 3-0-15-0 - Scoreboard End
G Kirsten 22* (30b 3x4) HH Gibbs 44* (42b 6x4 1x6)
12.1 Bulfin to Kirsten, FOUR, full, cracked straight down the pitch,
past the bowler and Nash and Larsen chase in vain to the
sightscreen in front of the Vance Stand
12.2 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, squared up by a straight one, spoons it
away in the air towards Larsen at mid off, a couple of bounces
short of him
12.3 Bulfin to Kirsten, three runs, drops it away towards square leg,
quick single as Vettori comes in and fires at the bowler's end,
just misses, but then Larsen misfields backing up at mid off,
straight through him and a couple of overthrows
very slack fielding so far this morning by New Zealand
12.4 Bulfin to Gibbs, one run, turned up towards Larsen at mid on, easy
quick single
12.5 Bulfin to Kirsten, one run, leans forward, chops it into his pad
and drops away in close on the off side, Gibbs calls him through
for a well stolen quick single, the field is helpless to prevent
it
12.6 Bulfin to Gibbs, one run, guided down just wide of Harris diving at
backward point, he again can't field it cleanly like the rest, and
hurts a finger doing so
End of over 13 (10 runs) South Africa 82/0 (RR: 6.31)
CE Bulfin 5-1-35-0 - Vance Stand End
HH Gibbs 46* (44b 6x4 1x6) G Kirsten 30* (34b 4x4)
physio is quickly on having a look at the finger, no sign of the
magic spray, will just be a tape-up job
Fleming and Nash have a long chat about tactics, no field placement
changes
now Nash pulls out of his run up for the second time
13.1 Nash to Gibbs, one run, tucked down through to square leg, easy
single as Gibbs runs in to Nash and then quickly goes around him
to avoid altercation
13.2 Nash to Kirsten, one run, pushed up towards mid off, another sharp
single taken
13.3 Nash to Gibbs, no run, yorker in on his toes, does well to chop it
out to Horne at mid on
13.4 Nash to Gibbs, no run, pushes a shorter ball down to Harris at
backward point
13.5 Nash to Gibbs, OUT: big swing to a full ball angling in quick from
outside off, misses the overpitched delivery and it clips off
stump through to Parore who takes the 'catch'
South Africa 84/1, Partnership of 84
HH Gibbs b Nash 47 (48b 6x4 1x6)
DJ Nash 3.5-0-17-1 - Scoreboard End
Kallis is the new batsman, as light drizzle suddenly sweeps by the
ground
13.6 Nash to Kallis, no run, straight ball, defends back to the bowler
End of over 14 (2 runs) South Africa 84/1 (RR: 6.00)
DJ Nash 4-0-17-1 - Scoreboard End
G Kirsten 31* (35b 4x4) JH Kallis 0* (1b)
14.1 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, Kirsten slashes outside off, bottom edge
and bounces just over the stumps, lucky stuff as Parore leaps to
field the bounce above his head
14.2 Bulfin to Kirsten, SIX, super hit! rising ball, got a hold of it
and pulled masterfully over backward square leg, crowd in awe of
that great blow, just sneaks over the rope
14.3 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, Bulfin comes around the wicket now, nice
tight ball, chopped down to backward point
14.4 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, cracked into the ground trying to give
himself room, Astle is across to quickly scoop up well at short
cover
14.5 Bulfin to Kirsten, no run, nice straight ball, Kirsten defends back
to the bowler
14.6 Bulfin to Kirsten, FOUR, smashing! lays into one wider outside off,
cracked low through the air but safe enough, wide of a leaping
Twose at cover
End of over 15 (10 runs) South Africa 94/1 (RR: 6.27)
CE Bulfin 6-1-45-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 0* (1b) G Kirsten 41* (41b 5x4 1x6)
Larsen replaces Nash at the Scoreboard end, as a bit of light mist
persists, Parore up to the stumps
15.1 Larsen to Kallis, no run, back and defends up to Fleming running in
from extra cover
15.2 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends up to Fleming again
15.3 Larsen to Kallis, no run, back tight on his stumps, defends away to
cover
15.4 Larsen to Kallis, no run, pushed up to Allott in the covers
15.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends back down the pitch, good
fielding off his own bowling by Larsen
Allott is moved out to the cover boundary for the last ball of the
over
15.6 Larsen to Kallis, no run, forward, guides it away but straight to
backward point, and a fine maiden to start with by Larsen
End of over 16 (maiden) South Africa 94/1 (RR: 5.88)
GR Larsen 1-1-0-0 - Scoreboard End
G Kirsten 41* (41b 5x4 1x6) JH Kallis 0* (7b)
the tightest over of the innings so far, despite it being with the
fielding restrictions just lifted
and that's drinks
Vettori replaces Bulfin from the Vance Stand end, after Bulfin went
for 35 off his 3 over spell coming downwind
16.1 Vettori to Kirsten, no run, flighted, turned up to Harris at
midwicket
16.2 Vettori to Kirsten, no run, down the pitch to a flatter one outside
off, has to leap into it with the pad as he can't play it any
other way, rolls back to the bowler
16.3 Vettori to Kirsten, two runs, driven through cover, Larsen around
from deep point to field
16.4 Vettori to Kirsten, one run, flighted a bit short, sits up easily
for Kirsten to place it where he needs, turned down backward of
square leg
16.5 Vettori to Kallis, no run, well flighted up, Kallis is watchful,
pushed down to Twose at mid on
16.6 Vettori to Kallis, one run, off the mark after 9 deliveries, dabbed
down forward of point, quick single
End of over 17 (4 runs) South Africa 98/1 (RR: 5.76)
DL Vettori 1-0-4-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 1* (9b) G Kirsten 44* (45b 5x4 1x6)
the light swirling rain continues to fall, but it's not heavy
enough to come off
17.1 Larsen to Kallis, one run, turned down to vacant square leg, Astle
runs from midwicket to field
Wellington's own Lionel does another lap around the ground, running
with the New Zealand flag flying
17.2 Larsen to Kirsten, one run, tucked away to midwicket, Nash tumbles
to field it, easy single with the shot
17.3 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends up to Horne at mid on
17.4 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends firmly into the pitch and up to
Larsen jumping up to take it on the bounce
17.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, squared around in defence, slides off the
open face down to short third man, first Kirsten wants a run but
goes back, then Kallis responds late, but he too goes back and
Harris fires in a good return fielding from backward point
17.6 Larsen to Kallis, one run, played down to straight long on
End of over 18 (3 runs) South Africa 101/1 (RR: 5.61)
GR Larsen 2-1-3-0 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 3* (14b) G Kirsten 45* (46b 5x4 1x6)
18.1 Vettori to Kallis, no run, flighted full, Kallis looks to play a
big shot, but has to clamp down on it, chopped away to Nash
fielding in from midwicket
18.2 Vettori to Kallis, no run, down on bended knee set up for a big
sweep shot with short fine leg inside the circle, but misses as it
skids straight on to the front pad
18.3 Vettori to Kallis, no run, an absolute corker from Vettori!
flighted up and dipped, turned and bounced outside off and Kallis
was totally beaten by it
18.4 Vettori to Kallis, no run, tries to sweep a straighter ball on
middle and leg, again into the pad and this time brings an appeal
from just the bowler
18.5 Vettori to Kallis, one run, floats up an inviting full toss outside
off, but Kallis can only stroke it along the ground out to Allott
at deep cover
18.6 Vettori to Kirsten, no run, flighted up slowly, Kirsten prods
forward to defend it into the pitch in front of him
End of over 19 (1 run) South Africa 102/1 (RR: 5.37)
DL Vettori 2-0-5-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 4* (19b) G Kirsten 45* (47b 5x4 1x6)
the slower bowlers tighten things up dramatically, just 8 off the
last 4 overs by Larsen and Vettori
after 94 were belted off the opening 15 at better than run-a-ball
pace
yet another stoppage as this time Fleming gets some fingers taped
up by the physio, we should be running into overtime today at this
rate folks
19.1 Larsen to Kallis, FOUR, charges, mis-hit chip over wide mid on,
bounces away from Horne in chase, the outfield is well paced
19.2 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends straight back to the bowler
19.3 Larsen to Kallis, FOUR, advances again, this time spooned up just
wide of Nash at extra cover and through to the fence
19.4 Larsen to Kallis, one run, pushes up to Horne at long on
19.5 Larsen to Kirsten, no run, turned away to Nash at midwicket,
quickly in and underarms a throw back to the bowler, sends back
the batsmen who were on their haunches looking for a sharp run
19.6 Larsen to Kirsten, OUT: and Kirsten just like Gibbs, fails just
short of his 50, danced down the pitch and totally beaten by one
angling across him outside off, bounced up off a length and Parore
whips off the bails with Kirsten looking on from well down the
wicket
South Africa 111/2, Partnership of 27
G Kirsten st Parore b Larsen 45 (49b 5x4 1x6)
End of over 20 (9 runs) South Africa 111/2 (RR: 5.55)
GR Larsen 3-1-12-1 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 13* (23b 2x4)
good run-a-ball knocks by both openers, but trying to lift the pace
another notch has cost them both chances of a big score on a good
batting track
Daryll Cullinan is the new batsman, at the non-striker's end as
that was the end of the over
20.1 Vettori to Kallis, one run, pushed away towards cover, Horne across
from point to field before Allott coming in from the deep
20.2 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, forward, pushing away from his body
towards point
Fleming in at slip now, the first time New Zealand have used a slip
since the very early overs before the onslaught that followed
20.3 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, forward defensive on the off side
20.4 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, straighter, full ball, defends into
the wicket, back to the bowler
20.5 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, flighted, quietly forward defending to
Nash in from midwicket
20.6 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, forward, then leans back to a shorter
one, angled away to backward point
End of over 21 (1 run) South Africa 112/2 (RR: 5.33)
DL Vettori 3-0-6-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 14* (24b 2x4) DJ Cullinan 0* (5b)
21.1 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends back to the bowler, across on the
off side of the pitch to field
21.2 Larsen to Kallis, no run, forward, pushes away off the open face to
Vettori at point
21.3 Larsen to Kallis, no run, back and squared around defending a dead
straight ball, into the pitch back to the bowler
21.4 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends straight to Young at midwicket,
on for Nathan Astle for some reason
21.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends into the covers
21.6 Larsen to Kallis, one run, straight ball, shorter, and Kallis
cleverly guides it fine down to Twose at third man to prevent a
maiden
End of over 22 (1 run) South Africa 113/2 (RR: 5.14)
GR Larsen 4-1-13-1 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 15* (30b 2x4) DJ Cullinan 0* (5b)
Astle returns to the field and Young departs again
22.1 Vettori to Kallis, no run, angling down leg from around the wicket,
Kallis prepares to sweep bit misses again, struck on the knee roll
down leg
22.2 Vettori to Kallis, one run, pushed through vacant cover to Allott
racing on from the deep
22.3 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, defended away to Horne at point
22.4 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, faster, flatter ball, pushed to Horne
again
22.5 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, pushed to vacant cover, quick single
as Horne fields
Cullinan finally off the mark after 8 balls, like Kirsten (7
balls), Gibbs (7) and Kallis (9) before him, taking a while to get
underway
22.6 Vettori to Kallis, no run, cut away straight to cover, another
tight over
End of over 23 (2 runs) South Africa 115/2 (RR: 5.00)
DL Vettori 4-0-8-0 - Vance Stand End
DJ Cullinan 1* (8b) JH Kallis 16* (33b 2x4)
just 4 runs off the last 3 overs
23.1 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, defends back down the wicket to the
bowler, Larsen scoops up off the bounce in mock joy at taking a
'catch'
23.2 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, shuffles across towards off stump,
trying to flick it through square leg, but into the top of the pad
and drops away close in on the leg side for Parore to come around
and field
23.3 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, tries to give himself room again, but
Larsen isn't called the Postman for nothing, he delivers another
deadly straight ball just outside off, and Cullinan can only chop
it into the ground back down the wicket for Larsen to field
23.4 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, streaky stuff, advanced and a cross
batted pull from off stump, skies it through vacant square leg to
Allott to field in the deep
23.5 Larsen to Kallis, one run, forced off the back foot out to Vettori
at deep cover
things are still overcast here now after a sunny start, but at
least the threat of rain has lifted for now
23.6 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, full, chipped up forward and short of
Nash at midwicket, they set off for a single as he runs in to have
a shy, hesitation as both batsmen stop and then start again mid-
pitch, Nash lets them off with a misfield and it drops away behind
him
End of over 24 (3 runs) South Africa 118/2 (RR: 4.92)
GR Larsen 5-1-16-1 - Scoreboard End
DJ Cullinan 3* (13b) JH Kallis 17* (34b 2x4)
24.1 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, moves outside leg stump to give
himself room, shorter ball and flat-batted down to Harris at extra
cover
24.2 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, gently pushed away short of Horne at
point, good quick single as Horne flies in
24.3 Vettori to Kallis, one run, flighted up, Kallis watchfully strokes
it up to Bulfin at long off
24.4 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, down the track, hits it low to the
ground and Vettori's left, dives across and just fails to pull in
a return catch, slows its progress down to long off
Cullinan had to dig that out away from the body a bit as it floated
into the legs as he advanced outside leg
24.5 Vettori to Kallis, no run, defends back to the bowler
24.6 Vettori to Kallis, no run, tries to sweep it down, but it's too far
outside off, turns and bounces, well over the top edge of the
blade through to Parore, good ball
End of over 25 (3 runs) South Africa 121/2 (RR: 4.84)
DL Vettori 5-0-11-0 - Vance Stand End
DJ Cullinan 5* (16b) JH Kallis 18* (37b 2x4)
just 27 runs off the last 10 overs as we reach the halfway stage of
the innings
25.1 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, worked up to Astle at midwicket
25.2 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, straight full ball keeping lowish,
again turned away to Astle
25.3 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, looks to free the arms at this
naggingly tight line, can only force it straight to Nash at cover
South Africa need Cronje in to face Larsen, one if his few
nightmare batsmen to bowl to
25.4 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, flicked away off the hip down to
Allott coming in from deep backward square
25.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, pushing forward, away towards cover
point, Kallis charges forward for a run but is promptly sent back
by Cullinan as two fielders swoop on the ball
25.6 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends to Astle running in from
midwicket
End of over 26 (1 run) South Africa 122/2 (RR: 4.69)
GR Larsen 6-1-17-1 - Scoreboard End
DJ Cullinan 6* (20b) JH Kallis 18* (39b 2x4)
26.1 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, really opens up, clean sweep along
the ground to Larsen at deep square leg
26.2 Vettori to Kallis, no run, pushing forward, to Horne at extra cover
26.3 Vettori to Kallis, no run, flighted up, guides away to Harris at
backward point
26.4 Vettori to Kallis, no run, pushes forward outside off, through him
a bit and it pops away through the bat/pad gate and drops just
short of Fleming at slip
26.5 Vettori to Kallis, FOUR, a bit of width outside off, Kallis slashes
and it slices off the thick outside edge in the air and wide of
Harris at backward point, to the vacant third man boundary, lucky
stuff
26.6 Vettori to Kallis, one run, stretching well forward, stroked
through to Allott at deep cover, Horne runs back from extra cover
and dives, but he was never going to prevent the run even if he
made it anywhere near the ball
End of over 27 (6 runs) South Africa 128/2 (RR: 4.74)
DL Vettori 6-0-17-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 23* (44b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 7* (21b)
27.1 Larsen to Kallis, no run, pushed up to Fleming at mid on
27.2 Larsen to Kallis, one run, cut down to backward point
27.3 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, advances, big swing and it flies away
through square leg as he was forced to close the face on it, not
coming on, out to Allott in the deep, a bit streaky again
27.4 Larsen to Kallis, no run, solid forward defensive, back to the
bowler
27.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, pushed to Nash at extra cover
27.6 Larsen to Kallis, one run, drops a full ball away forward of point,
and they jog an easy single
End of over 28 (3 runs) South Africa 131/2 (RR: 4.68)
GR Larsen 7-1-20-1 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 25* (49b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 8* (22b)
28.1 Vettori to Kallis, no run, flat, quick ball outside off, Kallis
plays an expansive back foot drive away from his body, but is
beaten for turn and bounce
28.2 Vettori to Kallis, one run, back to a shorter ball, drops it down
in close on the leg side towards square leg, they steal a tight
single, Nash dived in and threw running in from midwicket, a
direct hit would've seen Cullinan in trouble, close
28.3 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, driven down to long off
28.4 Vettori to Kallis, two runs, tickled fine off the pad, easy second
run as Astle has a fair distance to cover from fine leg
28.5 Vettori to Kallis, no run, flighted straight, pushed straight to
Horne at extra cover
28.6 Vettori to Kallis, one run, paddled to vacant short fine leg
End of over 29 (5 runs) South Africa 136/2 (RR: 4.69)
DL Vettori 7-0-22-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 29* (54b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 9* (23b)
29.1 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends to Astle at midwicket
29.2 Larsen to Kallis, no run, and again, straight to the fielder
29.3 Larsen to Kallis, no run, forward, dabbing down towards point, both
batsmen are anxious to sneak a single, but Harris racing in from
point threatening to throw forces them to change their minds
29.4 Larsen to Kallis, no run, defends back to the bowler
29.5 Larsen to Kallis, one run, tucked away from his pads backward of
square leg, Allott races in and fires a quick throw from the
boundary to prevent the second from being taken
29.6 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, played down to Horne at long on
End of over 30 (2 runs) South Africa 138/2 (RR: 4.60)
GR Larsen 8-1-22-1 - Scoreboard End
DJ Cullinan 10* (24b) JH Kallis 30* (59b 3x4)
Chris Harris replaces Vettori at the Vance Stand end
30.1 Harris to Cullinan, no run, stands back to a shortish one, clubs it
up to Nash at extra cover
30.2 Harris to Cullinan, one run, turned away forward of vacant score
leg, Astle races back from midwicket to field
30.3 Harris to Kallis, one run, floated up outside off, firmly stroked
out to Allott at deep cover
30.4 Harris to Cullinan, one run, back, played up to Twose at long on
30.5 Harris to Kallis, no run, quietly forward in defence to Nash at
cover
30.6 Harris to Kallis, one run, forward, pushes away between Horne and
Nash at cover point, easy single run with the shot
End of over 31 (4 runs) South Africa 142/2 (RR: 4.58)
CZ Harris 1-0-4-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 32* (62b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 12* (27b)
31.1 Larsen to Kallis, no run, driven back along the deck, Larsen fields
31.2 Larsen to Kallis, no run, turned away to Astle at midwicket
31.3 Larsen to Kallis, one run, back, trying to force it through the
covers, squirts off the outside edge down to Twose at third man
the weather closes in again, light drizzle looms about
31.4 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, worked down to Horne at long on
31.5 Larsen to Kallis, one run, turned away off the legs square of Astle
at midwicket, to Allott in the deep
31.6 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, driven straight back to Larsen, another
tight over
End of over 32 (3 runs) South Africa 145/2 (RR: 4.53)
GR Larsen 9-1-25-1 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 34* (66b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 13* (29b)
just 1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 1, 6, 3, 5, 2, 4, 3 in the last 12 overs - 34
runs with a single boundary contained in that
the umpires have a quick chat about the light conditions, it has
gotten a bit darker, but they will play on
32.1 Harris to Kallis, no run, defends into the covers, Horne around
from point to field
32.2 Harris to Kallis, one run, full outside off, doesn't deter Kallis
from presenting a paddled bat, turned down to Vettori at long leg
32.3 Harris to Cullinan, no run, forward and then back, tries to turn
down a shorter ball from outside off, through the leg side, drops
down into the top of his pad
32.4 Harris to Cullinan, FOUR, gives himself room outside off, stroked
fine of Horne at point and it races away, a much-needed boost for
South Africa
32.5 Harris to Cullinan, three runs, very clever again, sweeps it very
fine and Vettori has a long chase, just fields inside the rope
32.6 Harris to Kallis, no run, flayed through point but great diving
fielding to his left by Horne prevents a run
End of over 33 (8 runs) South Africa 153/2 (RR: 4.64)
CZ Harris 2-0-12-0 - Vance Stand End
DJ Cullinan 20* (32b 1x4) JH Kallis 35* (69b 3x4)
33.1 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, short, pulled partly flat in the air
down to Bulfin at fine leg
33.2 Larsen to Kallis, one run, driving forward towards extra cover,
false shot as he's through it early, squeezed down to long on,
just eluding Larsen leaping across to try and field
33.3 Larsen to Cullinan, no run, nudged away to cover point, Nash darts
across from cover quickly and both batsman jump back into their
creases
33.4 Larsen to Cullinan, one run, tight straight delivery on off stump,
Cullinan gives himself room and dabs it fine, they decide on a
dangerous short single, but are safe as Harris fumbles running on
from backward point
33.5 Larsen to Kallis, no run, lucky! rising ball, Kallis gets an inside
edge that falls just away from the stumps
33.6 Larsen to Kallis, no run, driven back along the pitch to Larsen who
fields at his feet, to end another fine 10 over spell in ODI
cricket for the local, his 10 overs conceding just 28, plus the
wicket of Kirsten amongst that
End of over 34 (3 runs) South Africa 156/2 (RR: 4.59)
GR Larsen 10-1-28-1 - Scoreboard End
DJ Cullinan 22* (35b 1x4) JH Kallis 36* (72b 3x4)
and it's also drinks, as the light drizzle hangs around,
threateningly, but yet to kick up a real fuss
this pair are well batted in, but are clearly frustrated by the
slower pace bowlers on this wicket, not quite as easy to smash
away as at Auckland, and the line is much tighter
the first 15 overs went for 94, the next 17 just 62, but with
wickets in hand, South Africa must be aiming at 250+ still,
knowing they are quite capable of turning it on at a moment's
notice if given even half a chance
34.1 Harris to Cullinan, one run, reaches for a floated one wide outside
off, doesn't get on to it at all, slides away over vacant cover to
Allott in the deep
34.2 Harris to Kallis, no run, defends back to the bowler
34.3 Harris to Kallis, one run, paddled down to Vettori running in to
short fine leg
34.4 Harris to Cullinan, no run, advances, full ball and is forced to
chop it up to Nash at extra cover
34.5 Harris to Cullinan, no run, straight ball on off stump, slides
through on Cullinan who is trying to sweep too early, into the pad
and away towards point
34.6 Harris to Cullinan, FOUR, down the track and takes matters in to
his own hands more emphatically, smashed back over the bowler's
head flat, one bounce just short of the rope and into the
sightscreen
End of over 35 (6 runs) South Africa 162/2 (RR: 4.63)
CZ Harris 3-0-18-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 37* (74b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 27* (39b 2x4)
the weather is really closing in the surrounding areas around the
ground, very low, light cloud
Nathan Astle replaces Larsen who has bowled through
hopefully trying to erase the nightmare 72 runs taken off his 10
overs, predominantly by this pair, in at Auckland in the last
match
35.1 Astle to Kallis, one run, turned down to Bulfin at fine leg
35.2 Astle to Cullinan, no run, gives himself a lot of room outside off,
but it's a straight ball, and he can only flat bat it down to
Fleming at mid off
35.3 Astle to Cullinan, no run, down leg, into the pad and drops away
square, Parore quickly fields
35.4 Astle to Cullinan, no run, nice tight rising ball,squeezes it away
to Nash at midwicket
35.5 Astle to Cullinan, one run, full outside off, tries to rock back on
the back foot and hammer it through the covers, but feet well away
from the pitch, closed face and it rolls up to Fleming at mid off,
quick run with the shot
35.6 Astle to Kallis, one run, charges in frustration, bottom edge runs
away towards vacant backward square leg, trying to lift it over
midwicket
End of over 36 (3 runs) South Africa 165/2 (RR: 4.58)
NJ Astle 1-0-3-0 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 39* (76b 3x4) DJ Cullinan 28* (43b 2x4)
good first over from Astle, really kept this pair quiet who opened
up the arms many times but failed to connect cleanly
another delay as the ball is changed yet again, after 36 overs this
time
Allott returns to the bowling attack, replacing Harris who conceded
18 from his 3 overs
36.1 Allott to Kallis, FOUR, streaky stuff, no slip for Allott costs
him, angling across him from over the wicket, Kallis reached for
one wide outside off, thick edge flies past a diving Parore and to
the fence, even though third man is very fine
36.2 Allott to Kallis, no run, nice full ball, defended out back to the
bowler
36.3 Allott to Kallis, one run, straight ball, pushed away into the
covers, Nash and Harris converge, past Nash but Harris slides
across to field at full stretch, and just lies there for a few
moments
36.4 Allott to Cullinan, one run, driving, off the open face down to
third man
36.5 Allott to Kallis, one run, full, squirts out to Bulfin at deep
cover point
36.6 Allott to Cullinan, no run, guided away to backward point, Harris
fields, sends Kallis skipping back at the bowler's end looking for
a run, lobs up a throw to Allott who has to awkward take as it was
just over the bails, didn't expect that and Allott gives a look
End of over 37 (7 runs) South Africa 172/2 (RR: 4.65)
GI Allott 6-1-33-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 45* (80b 4x4) DJ Cullinan 29* (45b 2x4)
37.1 Astle to Kallis, no run, short and rising outside off, big swing at
it but done for bounce, Parore gloves it standing up to the stumps
37.2 Astle to Kallis, two runs, tucked away off the hip through backward
square leg, well placed and struck so they can sprint back for a
second, the throw from the deep by Bulfin running in goes well
wide of the sticks
37.3 Astle to Kallis, no run, forced into the pitch, Astle fields
37.4 Astle to Kallis, FOUR, classy cover drive, stand and deliver stuff,
and that brings up Kallis' 50 too
the rain gets heavier as it drives virtually horizontally across
the ground
Astle pulls out of his run up, and that signals for the umpires to
come together for a chat
and they go off the field as a result
Match State: Rain delay
the main wicket block cover is nailed in to the ground, but no need
for covers for the bowler's run ups just yet, it does look like a
passing shower at this stage, it has already lightened up a bit
a big cheer as the cover is removed from the pitch area
the light swirling drizzle has lifted, and it looks a bit clearer
in the distance, but the forecast is for the light drizzle and
showers to linger around all day, so it could be a stop-start
affair
and the players return to the field, with 16 minutes lost, but no
reduction in overs at this point
37.5 Astle to Kallis, no run, nudged away to Harris at backward point
37.6 Astle to Kallis, one run, flicked down to Allot at fine leg
End of over 38 (7 runs) South Africa 179/2 (RR: 4.71)
NJ Astle 2-0-10-0 - Scoreboard End
JH Kallis 52* (86b 5x4) DJ Cullinan 29* (45b 2x4)
38.1 Allott to Kallis, one run, guided down to Horne at third man
38.2 Allott to Cullinan, no run, very full, tries to drive but it
squirts away along the ground from an open face, straight to
Harris at backward point
38.3 Allott to Cullinan, no run, beaten! angling across the face,
Cullinan poked forward and past the outside edge through to Parore
38.4 Allott to Cullinan, no run, again squirts it away to backward
point, Allott bowling at a nippy pace
38.5 Allott to Cullinan, one run, driven down to Fleming at long off
38.6 Allott to Kallis, one run, full, pushed out to Bulfin at deep
cover, just 3 from the over
End of over 39 (3 runs) South Africa 182/2 (RR: 4.67)
GI Allott 7-1-36-0 - Vance Stand End
JH Kallis 54* (88b 5x4) DJ Cullinan 30* (49b 2x4)
39.1 Astle to Kallis, OUT: shortish and straight, Kallis hops up on his
crease, it really jagged back into his body, chopped down and
plays it on
South Africa 182/3, Partnership of 71
JH Kallis b Astle 54 (89b 5x4 0x6)
NJ Astle 2.1-0-10-1 - Scoreboard End
the rain delay has really affected this pair, off to a scratchy
start afterwards
Lance Klusener is unsurprisingly promoted to number 5
39.2 Astle to Klusener, two runs, tucked away through midwicket
39.3 Astle to Klusener, one run, driven down to Horne running in at long
off
39.4 Astle to Cullinan, no run, tickled down to Allott at short fine
leg, Cullinan sets off for a run but Klusener sends him back
hurriedly
39.5 Astle to Cullinan, one run, flicked through to Bulfin at deep
midwicket
39.6 Astle to Klusener, one run, driven straight down to Horne at long
off, just beating Astle on the off side of the pitch
End of over 40 (5 runs) South Africa 187/3 (RR: 4.68)
NJ Astle 3-0-15-1 - Scoreboard End
L Klusener 4* (3b) DJ Cullinan 31* (51b 2x4)
Allott is spelled, saving him for a final burst at the death,
Vettori returns
40.1 Vettori to Klusener, one run, lets a slow ball come on,, turned
through to Horne coming in from deep square leg
40.2 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, leans forward, pushing forward of
point, Horne is there to cut off a run
40.3 Vettori to Cullinan, no run, dances down the track, but is kept
quiet by a straight delivery, forward defensive towards Harris at
extra cover and Cullinan has to get back into his crease
40.4 Vettori to Cullinan, three runs, cut away through point, Bulfin
runs around from deep cover, then misses it, giving away a couple
of overthrows as Klusener raced back for the third, throw fired
just wide of the stumps at the keeper's end
40.5 Vettori to Klusener, one run, back, driven up to Twose at long off
40.6 Vettori to Cullinan, one run, flighted full outside off, Cullinan
paddles it away towards fine leg, Astle has some ground to cover
haring in, manages to prevent a second
End of over 41 (6 runs) South Africa 193/3 (RR: 4.71)
DL Vettori 8-0-28-0 - Vance Stand End
DJ Cullinan 35* (55b 2x4) L Klusener 6* (5b)
41.1 Astle to Cullinan, no run, full, can only chop it out back to the
bowler for a crowd return 'catch'
41.2 Astle to Cullinan, one run, tries to free the arms, squeezes a
straight, full ball up to long on
a delay as the sightscreen is stuck on its advertising at the
bowler's end, a nice bright yellow predominant
Astle has switched to coming around the wicket for bowling to left-
handed Klusener
and a cheer from the crowd as it finally reverts to all black
41.3 Astle to Klusener, two runs, tries to launch it over midwicket, too
full and wide outside off, sliced away off the face down to wards
deep backward point, Klusener races home for a second as Bulfin
has a fair chase
41.4 Astle to Klusener, one run, similar again, but gets it squarer and
Bulfin fires in a throw quicker to cut off the second run
41.5 Astle to Cullinan, FOUR, full toss on the pads, Cullinan easily
flicks it past short fine leg and into the rope, loose ball and
given the deserved treatment
41.6 Astle to Cullinan, OUT: but next ball he holes out, pulled straight
down the throat of Bulfin at deep square leg
South Africa 201/4, Partnership of 19
DJ Cullinan c Bulfin b Astle 40 (59b 3x4 0x6)
End of over 42 (8 runs) South Africa 201/4 (RR: 4.79)
NJ Astle 4-0-23-2 - Scoreboard End
L Klusener 9* (7b)
it sat on a good length, Cullinan got hold of it pretty well, but
flat and Bulfin a few metres inside the rope lined it up with ease
Hansie Cronje is the new batsman
a long discussion between Vettori and Fleming ensues about how to
bowl to this pair looking to get on with the job
the third ball change of the innings brings this on, plenty of time
to spare as hold-ups galore occur today
42.1 Vettori to Klusener, one run, back on his stumps, forced through
midwicket to Bulfin in the deep
42.2 Vettori to Cronje, no run, leans forward, poking away, guided to
Horne at short third man
42.3 Vettori to Cronje, no run, forward defensive to Harris at cover
42.4 Vettori to Cronje, one run, down the track, holds back on a full-
blooded shot, lofts it nicely well over Harris at extra cover,
Klusener says no to the second run
42.5 Vettori to Klusener, one run, back, turned off his hip through to
Horne at deep square leg
42.6 Vettori to Cronje, one run, driven down the ground, just straight
of Harris diving in at extra cover, but Allot is down at wide long
off in any case to cover up
End of over 43 (4 runs) South Africa 205/4 (RR: 4.77)
DL Vettori 9-0-32-0 - Vance Stand End
WJ Cronje 2* (4b) L Klusener 11* (9b)
43.1 Astle to Cronje, one run, dipping full toss down the leg side,
flicked through to Bulfin at deep midwicket, Cronje still finding
his touch before launching
43.2 Astle to Klusener, one run, angling into the batsman, nice straight
drive down to Vettori at long on
another sightscreen problem, stuck 90% of the way around on the
yellow side
they seem to have problems with it when they move it back and forth
for the left-handed/right-handed combination of batsmen, for some
reason
it finally turns to black, after going through a white version
first
43.3 Astle to Cronje, no run, chopped straight to Nash at midwicket
43.4 Astle to Cronje, one run, straight drive on the on side, Horne
fields at long on
43.5 Astle to Klusener, no run, turned away to Fleming at wide mid on
43.6 Astle to Klusener, one run, dipping full ball wide outside off,
driven firmly wide of Nash at extra cover, Horne shuffles across
in the deep to field
End of over 44 (4 runs) South Africa 209/4 (RR: 4.75)
NJ Astle 5-0-27-2 - Scoreboard End
L Klusener 13* (12b) WJ Cronje 4* (7b)
44.1 Vettori to Klusener, legbye: one run, forward defensive, struck on
the pad and runs away to short third man, appeal for lbw as Cronje
races through for the run but Klusener is slow to get off the
mark, throw at the bowler's end lobs up and hits Klusener in the
back
44.2 Vettori to Cronje, one run, lofted straight over vacant mid off,
Allott runs around from wide long off to field on the bounce above
his shoulders
44.3 Vettori to Klusener, legbye: three runs, down the leg side, flicked
fine off the pad, Cronje easily out-running Klusener between the
wickets
a little more light mist swirls around the ground
44.4 Vettori to Cronje, FOUR, brilliant! reverse pull and he really got
on to that one! got it square of Horne at short third man, there's
nothing you can do about that
44.5 Vettori to Cronje, no run, tries it again, but foolishly this time!
Vettori tries it on again, full and straight, Cronje misses a
finer sweep, almost takes the leg stump
44.6 Vettori to Cronje, no run, slower ball, Cronje waits on it, cut
partly in the air, bounces short of Horne who's fielding at point
End of over 45 (9 runs) South Africa 218/4 (RR: 4.84)
DL Vettori 10-0-37-0 - Vance Stand End
L Klusener 13* (14b) WJ Cronje 9* (11b 1x4)
45.1 Astle to Klusener, one run, driven quietly up to Horne running in
from long off
45.2 Astle to Cronje, two runs, straight ball, big pull shot but it
keeps low, cross batted swipe in the end, great dive by Nash at
midwicket to parry it away off the half volley, rolls behind him
and they sneak a second
45.3 Astle to Cronje, one run, very tight on the stumps, Cronje dabs it
down to short third man very late
45.4 Astle to Klusener, no run, driven back down the pitch, Astle fields
himself
45.5 Astle to Klusener, one run, full outside off, squirts it down to
Allot at third man
45.6 Astle to Cronje, one run, driven straight to Nash at midwicket,
they cheekily steal a run straight to him charging in, and throws
at the keeper's end, hitting Klusener in the back of the leg
running through
End of over 46 (6 runs) South Africa 224/4 (RR: 4.87)
NJ Astle 6-0-33-2 - Scoreboard End
WJ Cronje 13* (14b 1x4) L Klusener 15* (17b)
Vettori has bowled out his 10 for a tidy 37, Allott returns to the
attack
46.1 Allott to Cronje, no run, shuffles right across outside his leg
stump, daylight between him and the stumps, Allott keeps it
straight and follows him a little, goes through that gate as
Cronje swishes and misses
46.2 Allott to Cronje, one run, pushed straight to Bulfin at extra
cover, they sprint with the shot and Bulfin thinks better of it
and lobs up a gentle throw to Allott at the bowler's end
heavier showers start coming across the ground now
46.3 Allott to Klusener, one run, full toss, driven down to Twose at
long off
46.4 Allott to Cronje, no run, huge swing and a miss trying to smash
that out of the ground over midwicket! oh-so-close to off stump as
it passes by, Allott raises his arms at first in thoughts of joy,
but then dismay as he realises there is no wicket
46.5 Allott to Cronje, one run, driven straight to Bulfin at extra cover
again, fumbles it along the ground and the run with the stroke is
much simpler
46.6 Allott to Klusener, two runs, full, struck low on the bat just
straight of Vettori who runs over it at wide mid off, down to
Twose in the deep and they get an easy second as he has to skirt
around the boundary
End of over 47 (5 runs) South Africa 229/4 (RR: 4.87)
GI Allott 8-1-41-0 - Vance Stand End
WJ Cronje 15* (18b 1x4) L Klusener 18* (19b)
boos around the crowd as Nash replaces the wicket-taking Astle at
the Scoreboard end
47.1 Nash to Cronje, one run, driven up to Horne at long on
Nash wipes the greasy ball courtesy of the towel at umpire Watkin's
end
47.2 Nash to Klusener, FOUR, smashing stuff! rocks back and clubs it
straight of Fleming who is stationary at wide mid on
47.3 Nash to Klusener, FOUR, short and sits up, Klusener again finds the
big gaps in the outfield, pulled around the corner through deep
backward square leg, Larsen helpless at deep midwicket
47.4 Nash to Klusener, two runs, smashed down to Horne who steps a
couple of paces across at wide long off, Horne hesitates with the
throw and Cronje smartly comes back for the second on it, good
running, poor fielding
Nash wipes the slippery ball again
47.5 Nash to Klusener, two runs, cracked through backward point, Harris
in the deep fields
and yet again Nash wipes the ball, really struggling with it
47.6 Nash to Klusener, two runs, similar to the ball two ago, driven
down to wide long on, and Horne is a tad slow on it and Cronje
easily steals a second
End of over 48 (15 runs) South Africa 244/4 (RR: 5.08)
DJ Nash 5-0-32-1 - Scoreboard End
WJ Cronje 16* (19b 1x4) L Klusener 32* (24b 2x4)
not quite the ideal replacement there, Nash concedes 15 off the
over, after Astle gave away just 10 off his last 2 before that at
the Scoreboard end
48.1 Allott to Cronje, one run, on leg stump, quietly turned to Vettori
at midwicket, simple single
48.2 Allott to Klusener, one run, nice yorker, Klusener clamps on it and
works it up to Fleming at wide mid off
48.3 Allott to Cronje, one run, charges, slaps it down hard but straight
to Vettori at extra cover, runs anyway as he's caught on the back
foot after the shot, Vettori has a throw from side-on but misses
48.4 Allott to Klusener, two runs, yorker, dug back down the pitch,
Allott just can't haul it in to his left, rolls straight down the
ground, then mis-fielded behind and they concede a second
the rain gets a little heavier and to loud jeers from the crowd,
they are coming off again
that should be the end of the innings one suspects, we've already
just gone over the 3 and a half hours allotted for the innings,
even if you account for the 16 minutes lost earlier for rain
Match State: Rain delay
lunch is now being taken, so the South African innings should be
ended now and Duckworth-Lewis coming into calculation for the New
Zealand target to chase
the rain is still swirling about, but if it does clear up in time,
we should be back underway in around 35 minutes time
Match State: Lunch
the rain continues to come down, and an extra cover is now being
hauled out to the middle
it's being put over the adjacent block next to the pitch
if play was to resume at the scheduled time of 2:30pm, in just over
5 minutes time, New Zealand would require a target of 257 from 48
overs
but as the weather is still gloomy, that won't happen, so things
will be reduced further as time lapses
the showers just keep on a comin', the wind is up, but it is
swirling a bit much to expect it to drive through quickly
now a third cover is being unfolded to put on the wicket block area
on the opposite side of the pitch to that is already covered
the wind picks up and a corner of one of the nailed down covers
flies loose, the Wellington weather hath no mercy at the best of
times I'm afraid
the rain continues to fall, and the covers have been stretched even
further, the bowler's run ups are now about to be covered
but the umpires have come out for a chat anyway
the rain is getting much harder, coming across the ground from the
Southwest, play must get underway by 4pm for a minimum 25 over
chase, and that means the ground must start to cleared by 3:30pm -
just under 20 minutes time from now
the chances of this happening are very small indeed looking around,
it's unlikely the rain will have even lifted by that time
I'm afraid the odds are looking rather strong for an 8th match to
be start up tomorrow morning
the crowd on the terraces have gone from packed to half empty, as
rubbish flies all over the place in the strengthening gusts of
wind
and the rain just drives down harder, virtually parallel to the
ground, almost horizontal enough not to actually effect the ground
underneath, but not quite :-)
90% of the crowd on the exposed terraced areas have departed, a lot
more are hanging around in the covered stands, but fruitlessly,
we're just about 5 minutes away from an official announcement of
abandonment, the showers are still hanging around
the umpires have come out to the middle to have a look, but looking
at rain, wet covers and a damp outfield isn't exactly a profitable
pastime cricket-wise
the umpires have long since departed the field after a quick look,
but still no announcement on the status of the match has come
through, as the PA system blares more songs, including Crowded
House's "Four Seasons in One Day" naturally enough
amazingly the umpires have walked out for another inspection, 20
minutes after their last one, with it hosing down worse than it
was back then and not relenting, or even looking like it will in
the next half hour at very least
but they walk off just 30 seconds later, expect the final death
blow to this match within moments
and that folks is that, the game has been officially abandoned at
just after 3:50pm, the rain just keeps on frustrating in the
series, as South Africa had set themselves up with a rather handy
total of 249 off 48.4 overs, where similarly in the first
attempt Napier, New Zealand had made a similarly good score of 257
to defend, before the South African chase was curtailed after just
9 deliveries
like that game, we'll be back again starting afresh tomorrow
morning, and hoping for clear weather and a similarly thrilling
last-ball result in the replay!
join us then, earlier bat-time, same bat-ground, same bat-web site
- that's 9:30am (due to fears about the light conditions now that
daylight savings time is no longer) from the Basin (how aptly
named) Reserve on CricInfo! until then, good afternoon
Match State: Match abandoned - replay at 9:30am/2130GMT tomorrow
help@cricinfo.com
Date-stamped : 30 Mar1999 - 11:01