Guptill leads NZ to impressive win

Hosts clinch opening Twenty20 against SA by 6 wickets.

WELLINGTON: New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill continued a dream run of form as the Black Caps posted a six-wicket win over South Africa in the opening Twenty20.

Guptill’s undefeated 78 off 55 balls was his sixth successive international half-century, steering New Zealand to 148 for four with four balls to spare in reply to South Africa’s 147 for six. The opener, who put Zimbabwe’s attack to the sword in the recent tour whitewash, looked comfortable against a more challenging opposition in South Africa’s first trip to New Zealand in eight years.

Kane Williamson also made a valuable cameo with 24 off 22 balls, while paceman Tim Southee took three for 28 to limit South Africa’s total. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was pleased with the team’s performance.

“Credit goes to the bowlers and to Guptill,” said the wicket-keeper. “He’s in great form. We drive ourselves pretty hard with fielding and that helps the bowlers to know they’ve got a good unit backing them up.”

His opposite number AB de Villiers was looking forward to a better show in the next game.

“It wasn’t a great start,” said de Villiers. “I take responsibility for that. We played well in patches, but we want to get it all together in the next game.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th, 2012.