They were, though, soon to be silenced by Herschelle Gibbs. The South African opener played with supreme authority, exploiting the gaps in the field with serenely timed shots. After bringing up his 12th ODI ton off 121 balls with a paddle sweep to fine leg, Gibbs let loose. The very next ball he faced was dispatched for a six while the ball after that went for a four. Toying with the New Zealand attack from there on, Gibbs reached 143 off 140 balls before holing out to Craig McMillan at mid-wicket . It was a truly majestic innings, which went on to help South Africa pile on 306/6 in their 50 overs.