MARTIN Guptill powered New Zealand to a six-wicket win over South Africa at Wellington in the first of three Twenty20 internationals yesterday. Tim Southee took three for 28 as South Africa required a late rally, led by JP Duminy (41) and Justin Ontong (32), just to post a competitive total of 147 for six, before Guptill, who averaged over 100 during the limited-overs leg of Zimbabwe’s recent tour, smashed 78 not out from 55 balls to ensure victory for the hosts.
South Africa openers Richard Levi and Hashim Amla put on 24 in 21 balls before the latter was spectacularly run-out by Guptill as batsman and fielder both dived for the stumps.
That sparked a clatter of three wickets for 14 runs and when birthday boy AB de Villiers fell for eight, the Proteas were 52 for four.
Ontong fell to a superb return catch which was taken low by Southee to end a partnership of 50 in 6.2 overs with Duminy, who followed soon after when he top-edged a hook at Southee to fine leg where Kyle Mills took a good diving catch.
Albie Morkel and Johan Botha put on 20 in 13 balls to see their side to 147.
Guptill launched Lonwabo Tsotsobe for two colossal leg-side sixes in one over as he and opening partner Nicol put on 49, before the latter chipped Rusty Theron’s first ball to Amla.
A six into the sightscreen off Morne Morkel extended Guptill’s run of half-centuries to six in all formats, but Brendon McCullum (16) was bowled by Duminy via bat and pad after being beaten by sharp turn.
Guptill won another race to the stumps, beating Morne Morkel’s dive to make his ground, but partner Kane Williamson then misjudged a single and was run-out for 24.
Colin de Grandhomme made just one but Guptill powered on, slapping Theron for four despite the previous ball having hit him on the head. Six were needed from the last over, bowled by Botha, and James Franklin (8 n o ) took just two balls to finish the job. (PA Sport)