South Africa in New Zealand (2012)

Pretty much agree with BP's predictions, I'd go with exactly the same, RSA 2-0 in tests, 2-1 in ODI's and 2-1 in T20's.

A very optimistic prediction by Crabs, but that is how it should be, you've got to back your team.... and guess what contrary to what most of us thought, NZL beat RSA in the first T20!!!

The kiwis largely have Guptill to thank for this win.  With the sort of form Amla was looking in, they're lucky they ran him out.  Hashin Amla everyday is becoming closer and closer to being my favourite batsman to watch today.  That cover drive for 6 was really sweet to watch. 

As far as the game went, when SA's 3rd wicket fell, I went to bed.  I'm happy for the kiwis though, I really like them as a team.

It's so frustrating supporting the Proteas. This team can easily be world beaters in all formats with the talent they have but they consistently deliver only the bare minimum (expected series wins against worse opposition) without ever fully pushing on (winning world cups, inflicting thrashings and whitewashes etc.)

The Kiwis looked better than expected tbh. The pace attack is still weak for T20 international cricket but McCullum is a very clever spinner and Hira didn't look too bad either. As long as Guptill keeps this form going, life is going to be difficult for RSA. The ODIs and Tests should be a lot more comfortable for RSA though with Kallis, Smith and Steyn all returning.


Edited by BackwardPoint - 18 February 2012 at 10:22am

That was an outstanding knock indeed! absolutely unbelievable!!! hats off for levi.

What a fabulous knock from Levi! Sensational hitting with the utmost of ease. This doesn't look to be a one-off or a fluke innings, he looks like he can do this consistently since it wasn't Afridi-type wild slogs but just clean hitting through the line. I'll bet the IPL franchise owners will keeping a close eye on him and it's definitely time to start thinking of getting him into the ODI set-up too. I actually said he should be in the ODI team prior to the SL series since he was in sensational limited overs form in the domestic tournament but SA could really use a fresh face like him for the ODIs. I know he isn't in the squad for this upcoming ODI series but for the next one, he's got to be in there and guys like Graeme Smith or Faf du Plessis better start stringing some big scores together or their place is in jeopardy.

The boundaries, however, were ridiculous. A completely mis-timed top edge shouldn't be going for six. The ground is small as it is, why bring the ropes in?

wow! That was an unbelievable performance by RSA, held their nerve right till the end, didn't gave up and it paid off!

They are a tough side the Kiwis, BP. can never count them out, I like the look of their side at the moment, there are plenty of match winners in there, and their fielding is world class, if only Dan the man can come back, it'll make a complete team. Not very impressed by Hira or Tarun thus far.

very very good knock by AB and Du Plessis... RSA go 1-0 up although NZL had their moments in the game. AB DeVilliers, what a player he is!

As was expected, Mumbai Indians have snapped up Levi. Their squad is immensely strong as it is, with this inclusion, they now look set to completely dominate the IPL.

Outstanding innings by AB and Faf. AB not only has ridiculous skill but also the intelligence to know how to pace an innings nowadays. He is the best in world cricket in my opinion. Faf is also a very talented boy, glad to see him making crucial runs to further cement his spot in the side. Only two major worries. One is the opening slot to partner Amla, Smith is looking too leg-side dominant these days and seems to be very uneasy. Surely Levi's red hot form has to earn him a shot sooner or later. The second big worry is the spinner slot, I really think RSA are unsure about how to use a spinner in ODIs. If they want an all-out, wicket-taking spinner then Tahir is the best bet. If they want a spinner who builds pressure slowly and offers a great deal of control then Botha is the clear man for the job. With Peterson, I really think they are just opting for someone who is neither and is just being played because he is a left-arm spinner turning it away from the right-handers. That's not a great policy. Kirsten is a smart man, hopefully he makes a decision either way and brings either Tahir or Botha in to the team permanently. I would say play Tahir on subcontinent tracks and Botha in NZ, AUS, SA, ENG.

I can't believe the batting collapse.  An absolute disgrace.  I'm meant to be going to the game in Auckland on Saturday but weather looks like it's gonna be bad.  

Yes, AB's captaincy was excellent both with regard to field settings and bowling changes. Now the only major qualm I have with him is why he keeps persisting with Peterson ahead of Botha. Botha bowls really well in the T20s and yet Peterson is the first choice spinner when he is incapable of bowling a consistent and troubling line. He is either too loopy and full or too flat and short. Tahir would be a far superior choice, his List A record is tremendous. Also, since his amazing efforts in the WC, he hasn't played an ODI. How do you drop a guy who has average 10 runs a wicket in all his ODIs to date. I find it really baffling. 

3-0, RSA complete the clean sweep, another half century for Hashim and Merchant De Lange, well if he bowls this well, and if Tsotsobe can continue to get wickets, would you believe it, Steyn might find himself fighting for his place in the ODI side. Obviously Morne has been among the wickets as well.

sam - don't really think Morkel is fighting for his spot with Parnell. Parnell is meant to be a bowling all rounder whereas I'd say Morkel is in the side more as a batting all-rounder. With Steyn, Morkel, Tsotsobe, Botha (or Tahir), Kallis and a few overs of Duminy, you would rather have a batting all-rounder than a bowling all-rounder. I don't really rate Parnell at all, he is so inconsistent. I'd actually say Morkel is in the side purely for his batting, they hardly ever seem to bowl him with the amount of options RSA have with the ball.

A full-strength RSA ODI XI of Smith, Amla, Kallis, Duminy, de Villiers, du Plessis, A Morkel, Botha, Steyn, M Morkel and Tsotsobe looks incredibly strong and is certainly up there with the AUS ODI team.

These Tests are gonna be so difficult. I wonder if RSA will chance it and play 4 quicks, not really likely but imagine Steyn, Morkel, Philander and de Lange charging in on a quick, seaming wicket. Not going to be pretty.

A wet and freezing cold start to the 1st test with no play in the first session.  NZ won the toss and elected to bowl first and got Peterson early to one he played on the move and was plumb in front even though Aleem Dar thought otherwise. The review proved him wrong and he was gone. Smith made 50 against some rank bad bowling and at no time did he move his feet at all !!  He eventually fell to an awful shot to a Chris Martin wide that he managed to reach and gift to cover - embarassing! 
               The fun really started then on a pitch with no pace , no lateral movement or swing! Martin then removed the terribly out of form Kallis , 2nd ball and then AB de Villiers 1st ball to be on a hattrick !  He didn't get it , but 3 from 4 was pretty good!   Amla looks class and ably supported by Rudolph , who's doing what the others didn't - leaving the wide stuff.
                 Currently  154-4 after 41 overs with Amla 61* and Rudolph 28*

         That Smith innings had to be seen to be believed - I got up quite late and saw the highlights. If I didn't know better I'd have thought him carrying a serious injury either to his back or leg for him to be so immobile at the crease - bloody awful !