Cricket: 5-star Morkel wins series for S Africa

NZ lose 2nd ODI by six wickets to hand series to the visitors.


Afp February 29, 2012

NAPIER: South Africa trounced New Zealand by six wickets, led by a Morne Morkel five-wicket haul, to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their One-Day International (ODI) series with a game to spare.

New Zealand were sent into bat and, at 131 for one, were heading for a competitive 300-plus total before a spectacular collapse saw them being dismissed for 230 in the 48th over.

Morkel, who had none for 33 off his first seven overs, produced a devastating late spell, taking five for five runs in 15 balls to wrap up the innings with a man-of-the-match performance. He twice found himself on a hat-trick as New Zealand squandered a strong start.

South Africa made the best of the favourable conditions, scoring at better than run-a-ball as they cruised to 231
for four.

Captain AB de Villiers was fulsome in his praise for Morkel’s match-winning performance.

“We played consistently well today, Morne bowled exceptionally for us and set the trend,” said de Villiers. “He got the wickets at the right time.”

Morkel credited his fine show to the hard work put in by bowling coach Allan Donald.

“I am extremely grateful that I can put in that kind of performance for the team,” said Morkel. “Donald has been great with the bowlers and his experience has benefitted us.”

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum cut a dejected figure after his team’s failure to again cash in on a strong start.

“Losing eight wickets for 60-odd isn’t acceptable,” said McCullum. “It was a 300 pitch from where we were midway through the innings, but Morne ripped the heart out of us. Turning up 70 short of par is disappointing.”

Amla lays foundation for chase

Meanwhile Hashim Amla stroked a fine 92, which included 12 boundaries as he guided his team to a comfortable win. He found good support from Faf du Plessis who cracked 34 off 24 balls. De Villiers gave due credit to the batsmen’s contribution.

“It’s always nice when someone starts well up the order like Amla this time, he made it easy for the middle order,” said de Villiers. “Du Plessis is a world-class talent, I’m looking forward to watching him grow into a world-class player.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2012.

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