New Zealand face a test of grit and determination

A complete performance by South Africa saw them shoot to a 1-0 lead over New Zealand in the crucial three-match ODI that began in Auckland on Saturday (January 25).

Dane van Niekerk won the toss and chose to bowl on a sticky Eden Park wicket with Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, a world class pairing, putting the hosts’ new opening batting pair of Lauren Down and Bernadine Bezuidenhout under pressure immediately. Bob Carter, the New Zealand head coach’s,  ploy of having Suzie Bates at no.3 and skipper Sophie Devine at no.4 was a conservative approach which saw New Zealand get off to a slow start.

Bates got through to 53 off 75 balls, many of her shots lacked weight transfer, meaning she had no real balance in her batting.  Although the right-hander played a few majestic drives through the off-side, she eventually got out, giving a catch off the leading edge to Ayabonga Khaka. Devine (27) came and went cheaply, courtesy an outstanding catch by van Niekerk off Chole Tryon’s slow left armers. The skipper never really look settled against Tryon.

With the hosts in a spot of bother at 146 for 4 in the 34^th over, it was Katie Perkins who stepped up to the plate. The right-hander was the star of the innings, notching up a career best score of 78 off 83 deliveries. Without the power of Bates and Devine to boost the scoring rate, Perkins played all around the ground for a well-deserved half-century and was instrumental in getting New Zealand through to a very respectable 259 for 9 in their quota of 50 overs.

In reply, the Proteas got off to a strong start, with Lizelle Lee (99) and Laura Wolvaardt (91 not out) adding 163 runs for the first wicket, which pretty much killed the chase. New Zealand were very inconsistent with the ball and there is no doubt Jacob Oram will have his work cut out to turn this around before the next match on Monday (January 27).

In the first ODI, at least on ten occasions, the hosts either started or finished an over with a boundary. The batting too lacked the flair that a top-ranked team will need to compete in a World Cup. New Zealand managed only a total of 21 boundaries – 20 fours and a six – while South Africa replied with 29 fours in 48.3 overs.

Their poor performance, lack of real planning or positive intent, and their struggle through the day showcased New Zealand’s major concerns. As a side, they looked every bit the sixth-place ranking they currently hold -in the ICC Championship table. They are down and out and in need of some inspiration.

New Zealand will have to dig deep to come up with a result when the teams meet again on Monday at the same venue. It will be a test of grit and determination for the coaching staff and Kiwi skipper Devine to bounce back from a less than impressive performance.