Auckland T20: Tahir five-for as South Africa overcome Kiwis

Tags: South Africa tour of New Zealand,2017, South Africa, New Zealand, New Zealand Vs South Africa Only T20I at Auckland, Feb 17, 2017

Published on: Feb 18, 2017

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South Africa began their tour of New Zealand on an impressive note with an emphatic 78-run win in Auckland on Friday.

South Africa began their tour of New Zealand on an impressive note with an emphatic 78-run win in Auckland on Friday.
Chasing a challenging 186 for victory, the hosts were bowled out for 107 in 14.5 overs at Eden Park. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the star for the Proteas with a five-for. Tahir's effort overshadowed that of Trent Boult, who ended up with brilliant figures of 2 for 8.
New Zealand won the toss, and Kiwi captain Kane Williamson invited the visitors to take first strike. Hashim Amla starred for the Proteas, blasting 62 from 43 balls. Faf du Plessis chipped in with 36 from 25 balls. Comeback man AB de Villiers shone briefly easing his way to 26 from 17 deliveries.
Despite Boult's brilliance, the South Africans managed to finish with a healthy total of 185. In reply, New Zealand were never in the groove. Debutant Glenn Phillips, in for the injured Martin Guptill, struggled and was dismissed by Chris Morris for five. Colin Munro fell for a golden duck as he slogged a straight delivery from Morris.
Tom Bruce joined Williamson, and added 28. But, first-change seamer Andile Phehlukwayo got Williamson (13) to pull a short ball to deep square-leg. Worse was still to follow for the hosts as Tahir took over.
Tahir began by sending back Corey Anderson for 6, and then sent back the form man Bruce, who made an impressive 33 off 27. The Kiwis had lost half their side for 60.
Luke Ronchi (0) and Mitchell Santner (5) also failed. While Tahir finished with five wickets, Phehlukwayo provided great support with 3 for 19.
Colin de Grandhomme and Tim Southee used the long handle briefly. But, Tahir finished off the Kiwis by sending back Ben Wheeler and Southee. The teams now head to Hamilton for the first ODI on Sunday.
--By A Cricket Correspondent

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