New Zealand seek a quick turnaround in the second ODI

After a year filled with injuries and setbacks, South Africa, with a full-strength team, started on a winning note against New Zealand. In a three-match ODI series, it's important to start off well and South Africa did exactly that when they comprehensively beat New Zealand by seven wickets in Auckland to bag two points in the ICC Championship series.

The Proteas ticked all boxes. Firstly, their bowlers did the job well in restricting New Zealand to a gettable 259 with Masabata Klaas as well as Ayabonga Khaka picking up three-fers. But the ease with which South Africa chased the score down would have boosted the tourists' confidence. Dane van Niekerk, as well as the Proteas management, would be happy that their batting order clicked and they have a couple of games to see what works for them. In doing that, they will hope to seal the deal in the next match at the same venue on Monday (January 27).

For the hosts, the combinations tried in the batting order didn't work as they would have ideally liked. First up, they pushed Suzie Bates at number three and brought Sophie Devine at number four. It was imperative for New Zealand's openers, Lauren Down and Bernadine Bezuidenhout, to provide a good start upfront, but the duo failed to provide a fiery start, which put added pressure on Bates and Devine to accelerate. It would be interesting to see if Bob Carter, New Zealand's head coach, sticks to the same combination or pushes Rachel Priest, an attacking option, up the order to provide a brisk start.

In the absence of Lea Tahuhu, New Zealand's opening bowlers failed to provide an early breakthrough in the run-chase. The wicketless 20 overs put added pressure on Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek to take wickets as well as curb the run-flow which the duo failed at.

With little turnaround between the matches, New Zealand have to pull up their socks and have to play aggressively to make it 1-1 all. All in all, it promises to be another cracking contest between these two highly competitive teams.

Squads

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest.

South Africa: Dane van Niekerk (c), Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Trisha Chetty, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Marizanne Kapp.