adminAUCKLAND. — The world’s premier limited overs bowler, Imran Tahir, justified his No. 1 ranking as he took 5-24 to hand South Africa a 78-run victory in their one and only T20 international cricket match against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland yesterday.
Ranked the top bowler in both one-day international and T20 international cricket, Imran Tahir was too hot for the Kiwi’s to handle.
Despite some drizzle about, the 37-year-old legspinner displayed immaculate control as he deceived the Black Caps’ batsmen with his variation.
South Africa had earlier posted 185-6 with Hashim Amla (62), Faf Du Plessis (36), JP Duminy (29) and AB De Villiers (26) all doing well with the bat, while Trent Boult (2-6) and Colin De Grandhomme (2-22) were superb with the ball.
Tahir’s exploits of 5-24 in 3.5 overs earned him the Man of the Match awards, but much of the hard work was done up front by Chris Morris who produced a sensational spell.
Morris’ second over derailed the Black Caps’ chase as he removed opener Glen Phillips and then Colin Munro in successive deliveries. Bowling in excess of 140 kilometres per hour, Morris banged the ball in back of a length and found steep bounce to be his ally on the Eden Park surface.
His second over turned into a double wicket maiden as he bowled three overs up front, conceding just 10 runs and taking two wickets.
Andile Phehlukwayo then got in on the act, taking the big wickets of Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson. Like Morris, he opted to bang the ball in back of a length and used a mixture of cutters and extra bounce to deceive the batsmen.
Tom Bruce, although scratchy, looked threatening as he compiled a bit-part innings of 33. However, Tahir ended the New Zealand hopes in the 10th over when his textbook googlies accounted for Bruce and Luke Ronchi in successive deliveries. — AFP.
Online Reporter