5 Hot battles that will dictate South Africa v New Zealand ODI series

5 Hot battles that will dictate South Africa v New Zealand ODI series: The Kiwis are set to take on the mighty South Africans in their backyard in a 3-match ODI series. It will be the first time after the thrilling World Cup 2015 semi-final match that both the teams will take on each other in a ODI. Though recently they had locked horns in 2 match T20I series which ended up 1-1. The aroma of an edge of the seat thriller has already gripped the cricket fans all around the globe. The images of their previous showdown at Auckland which marked the heartbreaking loss as well World Cup exit of the Proteas is still fresh in everyone’s mind.

The absence of key New Zealand players like Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Corey Anderson and Mitchell Santner will certainly boost South Africa’s chances in the series. But, the T20I series was a testimony that, despite all that, Black Caps won’t be easy to crack which ensures us a mind-wobbling one-day series.

So, here we present the 5 Hot battles that will dictate South Africa v New Zealand ODI series:

1. Grant Elliott v Dale Steyn:

When last time both Elliott and Steyn were captured in one frame, one had become a hero while other ended up heart broken. The sight of Elliott rendering a helping hand to World’s premiere fast bowler Steyn after smashing the winning six was all the game and its spirit talks about. But now, their rivalry is once again all set to ignite fire on the 22 yards with pills of jaw-dropping level of excitement and thrill.

Grant Elliott has been in sublime touch this year and in 24 ODIs he has amassed 826 runs at an average of 48.59 while on the other hand Steyn has been hot and cold and has grabbed 17 scalps in 11 matches, this year. Dale Steyn will look to avenge the heart breaking loss of the World Cup while Elliott will look to derail Steyn like he did earlier, this year.

2. AB de Villiers v Mitchell McClenaghan:

The biggest threat for the Kiwis in this ODI series will be the Protea skipper AB de Villiers. AB’s current form in all the formats of the game transforms him into the best batsman of the world. In the absence of star Kiwi bowlers, McClenaghan will don the hat of the pace spearhead of the side. He is a bowler who loves challenges and bowls his heart-out, which is evident in the way he bends his back and hits the deck hard with the white cherry in hand.

It would be thrilling to witness whether De Villiers who has emerged as epitome of aggression knocks out McClenaghan or the left-arm bowler castles over him.

Also Read – 5 reasons why South Africa can conquer the Kiwi challenge

3. Kane Williamson v Imran Tahir:

What can one say about Kane Williamson? The Kiwi skipper has been a run-machine and his hunger for runs is apparent each time he steps on the 22 yards. Now, he will have an uphill task to lead his side on the captaincy front as well as with the willow in the absence of Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum. While on the other side of the crease stands Imran Tahir who will be the biggest threat for the visitors with his deceptive variations. His googlies have been hard for the batters to pick especially for the non-subcontinent batsmen.

This year Williamson has recorded 1,223 runs in 23 ODI matches at an average of 61 while Tahir has taken 25 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 4.53 which says it all.This clash will certainly decide the outcome of the crucial middle-overs of the game.

4. David Miller v Ish Sodhi/ Nathan McCullum:

The emergence of Killer Miller as a middle-order batsman in the Proteas side has come as no surprise. Miller has the ability to dominate the spinners in the middle-overs and then explode the bowlers in the slog-overs which has come more than handy for his side. While on the other end, either Nathan McCullum or Ish Sodhi will have the arduous task of outfoxing the Protea southpaw. Ish is an aggressive leggie who doesn’t fear giving the ball some air and can be used as New Zealand’s primary spin option as well. While McCullum is more of a container who bowls tight line and lengths.

It would be captivating to see whether Miller turns into a killer and thumps the ball out of the ground or the Kiwi spinners outclass him.

5. Martin Guptill v Kyle Abbott:

Martin Guptill has been in the form of his life and was the highest-run getter in the World Cup 2015. The way he marches his side upfront and sets the tone for the Kiwis will be monumental in the outcome of the series. Kyle Abbott is likely to open the bowling for the hosts and he will have a key role to play against Guptill. Kyle hits the deck hard and the South African pitches which are known to be fast are likely to assist him with the brand new white cherry upfront.

The battle between Guptill and Abbott will set the tone for the match. Let’s see whether Guptill emerges as the Kiwi protagonist of the series or the Protea pacer Abbott bounces him out.