Lahore: In the ongoing ODI Tri-Series 2025, New Zealand achieved a six-wicket victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium. The Kiwis demonstrated their prowess in both batting and bowling while successfully chasing down the target.
Despite the defeat, South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma identified some positives in his team's performance, particularly praising debutant Matthew Breetzke for his remarkable innings.
"Yes, there were some positives. Matty [Matthew Breetzke] scored 150 on his debut, and the other bowlers contributed as well. We probably didn't score enough runs. It was challenging against the new ball, which moved around off the pitch, but once that phase passed, it became somewhat easier. We would have preferred to score more runs. Moving forward, we need to improve our batting and bowling significantly, especially with a quick turnaround ahead. As a team, we must elevate our performance, and Breetzke, who has been waiting for his chance, was exceptional. He plays all three formats, and I am confident we will see more of him," Bavuma stated after the match, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to field first against South Africa. The opening pair of Matthew Breetzke (150 runs off 148 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes) and Temba Bavuma (20 runs off 23 balls, with 3 fours) established a 37-run partnership. William O'Rourke struck first for the Kiwis, dismissing the South African captain in the 8th over. Although the opening partnership was not particularly strong for Bavuma's side, Jason Smith (41 runs off 51 balls, with 1 four and 2 sixes) entered the fray and revitalized the innings with a 93-run partnership alongside Breetzke. Unfortunately, Jason was run out in the 25th over.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne, who scored just 1 run off 4 balls, struggled to make an impact in the match and was dismissed by Michael Bracewell during the 27th over.
In the 46th over, Matt Henry successfully dismissed debutant Breetzke, sending him back to the pavilion.
Later in the innings, Wiaan Mulder contributed significantly with a score of 64 runs from 60 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six, helping to bolster the team's total. By the conclusion of the first innings, Eathan Bosch (7 runs from 9 balls) and Mihlali Mpongwana (1 run from 2 balls) remained not out, guiding the Proteas to a total of 304/6 after 50 overs.
The Kiwi bowling attack was spearheaded by Matt Henry and William O'Rourke, each claiming two wickets in their spells, while Michael Bracewell added one wicket to his tally in his 10-over spell. During the chase, New Zealand exhibited dominant cricket. Will Young (19 runs from 31 balls, 2 fours) and Devon Conway (97 runs from 107 balls, 9 fours and 1 six) established a solid 50-run partnership, setting a strong foundation for the chase.
Eathan Bosch claimed the first wicket of the second innings, dismissing Young in the 10th over. Kane Williamson (133* runs from 113 balls, 13 fours and 2 sixes) took Young's place and formed a formidable 187-run partnership with Conway, giving New Zealand a significant advantage over South Africa.
In the 36th over, Junior Dala dismissed Conway, but this did little to alter the course of the match. Senuran Muthusamy took out Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in the 39th over, applying some pressure on the Kiwis, yet Williamson continued to dominate.
Williamson and Glenn Phillips remained not out, finishing with 28 runs from 32 balls, including one four and one six, as they successfully chased the target in the 49th over. Williamson's explosive performance was instrumental in securing a six-wicket victory for New Zealand against South Africa.
The South African bowling unit struggled, unable to take crucial wickets and disrupt the flow of the game. Senuran Muthusamy managed to claim two wickets during his nine-over spell.
Kane Williamson received the 'Player of the Match' award for his outstanding innings on Monday.
