'We pride ourselves on fielding' - Mitchell Santner after New Zealand's triumph in high-scoring clash

New Zealand won the second ODI of the Pakistan tri-series against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10. After winning the opening game against hosts Pakistan, New Zealand continued their good run to make it into the finals of the series.

Speaking of the second clash, the Blackcaps chased down a massive total thanks to an unbeaten century from Kane Williamson (133 off 113 deliveries) and a brisk innings from Devon Conway (97 off 107 deliveries) who replaced the injured Rachin Ravindra.

Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner had plenty to say about the impressive performance from his team, praising the fielding and the partnership between Williamson and Conway, who added 187 runs for the second wicket. 

“I think you wanna win but different guys performing is pleasing for the squad and we have another big game in a few days' time in Karachi. I guess we pride ourselves on fielding, especially in the middle overs on flat wickets where there are partnerships. It was an outstanding knock from Conway and that partnership between him and Kane,” said Santner during the post-match interview. 

Would have liked to get more runs: Temba Bavuma 

While there were some spectaular performances from the South African team as well, which helped them set up a decent total, they ended up on the losing side due to underwhelming bowling performance. Skipper Temba Bavuma reckoned that the pitch got easier after the ball got old. Bavuma praised debutant Matthew Breetzke who played a brilliant knock of 150 off 148 and said that he might go down as an all-format player down the line. 

“Yeah, some positives. Matty on debut scoring 150 and the other guys from a bowling point of view also chipped in. Probably didn't score too many runs. It was tricky against the new ball and they got the ball to nip around off the surface, but once that went away, it became a bit easier. Would have liked to get more runs," said Bavuma in the post-match interview. 

"From this game, we will have to be a lot better with your batting and bowling and it won't get easier. As a team, we have to up our game and it's going to be a quick turnaround. He was amazing and one of those guys waiting in the wings. One of the guys who plays all three formats and I'm sure you will see a lot more of Breetzke," he added.