Proteas lose Christchurch cliffhanger

A courageous 26-ball half-century by Dwaine Pretorius was not enough as the Standard Bank Proteas saw their 12-game winning run halted by a narrow, six-run defeat to New Zealand in the second One-Day International (ODI) in Christchurch on Wednesday.

 Chasing 290 for victory at the Hagley Oval, the tourists failed to make the most of several good starts, before eventually ending on 283/9 as the Black Caps levelled the five-match series at 1-1.

 Pretorius, in only his sixth appearance for his country, was the stand-out performer with both bat and ball, but his career-best effort late in the game was especially impressive as South Africa showed fight right until the death.

 He ended up with exactly 50 (27 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and shared in a 61-run partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo, who was unbeaten on 29, before departing with 15 needed from six – a bridge that ended too far with their side nine down.

 There was another notable half-century from Quinton de Kock at the top of the order – the wicketkeeper making 57 (65 balls, 6 fours) – with starts also for JP Duminy (34), AB de Villiers (45) and the fit-again David Miller (28), who shared a 68-run fifth-wicket stand with his captain.

 With the New Zealanders striking at regular intervals, they had the visitors reeling on 214/8 and facing inevitable defeat, before Pretorius and Phehlukwayo did their best to alter the script.

 In the end it was the death-over yorkers of Trent Boult (3/63) and Tim Southee (1/60) that just about took the home side over the line.

 Earlier, De Villiers won the toss and chose to bat first, but the Black Caps got to 289/4 thanks to Ross Taylor’s record-breaking 17th ODI century, which put him ahead of Nathan Astle in terms of hundreds for his country. The right-hander was unbeaten on 102 (110 balls, 8 fours) with his performance well supported by Kane Williamson, who made 69 (75 balls, 6 fours). Jimmy Neesham provided the fireworks for the home crowd with his 71 not out (57 balls, 6 fours).

 All the South African bowlers, bar Pretorius, went for over five runs to the over, with the all-rounder returning a fine 2/40.

 Match three takes place at Wellington on Saturday. Play will start at 03:00 SAST.