New Zealand v South Africa
VB Series, Match 5
Saturday, January 19, 2002

A brilliant innings by Chris Cairns. That's really one of the better ones you'll see in one-day cricket. He came in under considerable pressure, and took a long time to build his innings, but when he had to go he went.

The key was he never really panicked. He knew, if New Zealand were to win, he had to be there at the end. He took very few risks - apart from nearly being run out three times. This Brisbane game - when Australia hasn't been involved - has produced some fantastic results over the years and tonight was no exception. Another close one and a record crowd.

Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis got off to a flier, and it looked like they were on track for a total somewhere near 300. But Chris Harris and Daniel Vettori had a good little period where they were able to rush through a few overs and I think Kirsten and Kallis got impatient.

Everything fell apart a bit after that. The South Africans - apart from Mark Boucher and Jonty Rhodes for a short period - found it hard to maintain that early momentum.

Stephen Fleming's captaincy was terrific. He just has that knack at the moment of picking up a wicket from a bowling change. His young bowlers, Shane Bond and James Franklin, are doing a great job for him - and the more they do, the more success they'll get. It'll feed on itself.

It remains to be seen if New Zealand can continue that sort of intensity for the rest of the tournament. I still have my doubts they can sustain their level of performance.

South Africa would be disappointed with that result. They reckon they're the best one-day team in the world but they were well short of that mark tonight. It was a touch worrying they went in with Justin Ontong as the only variety. He bowled OK but it was during a cautious period for New Zealand. They miss a Lance Klusener who can vary his pace.

I think Australia would have liked South Africa to keep winning and get clear at the top of the table. Australia will have to win all their games now if they are to make the finals.

This has been a great series so far. Lots of close games. I can't remember a one-day series where any one of the three teams is good enough to win it.

Ian Healy, one of the game's greatest wicketkeepers, is now a commentator for Channel 9. He is giving his verdict on every match in the VB Series on Wisden.com. He was talking to Tim Stoney.

More Ian Healy
Australia's worst for three years
New Zealand left it too late

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