In short
The BLACKCAPS got their own back on South Africa, prevailing in another final over thriller to level the ANZ ODI series 1-1.
In front of a full house at Hagley Oval, Ross Taylor scored a New Zealand record 17th ODI hundred and with help from Jimmy Neesham (71* off 57) the BLACKCAPS posted a solid 290 run target.
As they did in Hamilton, South Africa seemed to be tracking nicely in the chase before a mid innings collapse turned the game on its head.
This time the bowlers closed it out despite some late Protea hitting, with Trent Boult finishing with three wickets to help the BLACKCAPS to a six run victory.
Hagley hangout
With the number one side in the world in town and 25 degree heat, Hagley Oval was the place to be on Wednesday in Christchurch. A sold out crowd of 7,541 packed into the venue to enjoy the second ODI, and once again they were treated to a scintillating spectacle – and this time with the right result to compliment it.
A familiar duo 
Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have long been recognised as New Zealand’s premier pair of batsmen and they were true to from once again on Wednesday. The skipper and star number four came together at 53-2 and added 104 runs for the third wicket at a run-a-ball to lay a sound platform. There’s been a focus on the BLACKCAPS top order bringing the goods – not surprisingly, they were the two to do it.
Fresh start needed
An errant sweep from Williamson broke the major partnership, with South Africa then capitalising with the early capture of Neil Broom for two. At 166-4 and under pressure, the BLACKCAPS were in need of another significant partnership.
Neesham nails it
Coach Mike Hesson said at the start of the series that Jimmy Neesham deserved a crack at six and the powerful all-rounder has already validated his promotion. Neesham played partner to Taylor for the final 17.2 overs of the BLACKCAPS innings, finishing with an unbeaten 71 off 57 balls himself and combining with Taylor for a record fifth wicket partnership against South Africa of 123 runs.
Taylor the Great
Ross Taylor now stands alone as the New Zealand batsman with the most ODI centuries (ever). The 32-year-old was unflappable enroute to century number 17, overtaking Nathan Astle’s record. While the calibre of each century is difficult to quantify, the value in this one must be as immense as any. Taylor’s approach oozed calmness and composure and and climaxed off the final ball of the innings when he slapped the ball to the boundary and celebrated in front of an elated Hagley Oval. Whats more, the record breaking century came against the number one side in the world – class.
Below is an interactive wagon wheel - select any player to see where they scored their runs and even identify which bowlers they targeted!
Tough total
While 289 these days is almost considered under-par, on this slightly stick wicket it would prove enough … just.
Déjà vu
South Africa made a very similar start to their innings as the BLACKCAPS. While they found the fence, they could’t find the singles and found themselves limping out of the opening power play at 52-2, with Tim Southee trapping the dangerous Hashim Amla (10) in front LBW and Colin de Grandhomme clean bowling Faf du Plessis (11).
Chipping away
With Quinton de Kock (57) and JP Duminy (34) at the crease the Proteas were in control at 108-2 in the 22nd over. On a flattening pitch and against a quality batting line-up it was imperative that the BLACKCAPS bowlers stuck to their task; and they did that in spades. Williamson worked his bowlers expertly as the spin and pace combo slowly chipped out the South Africans. Santner and Sodhi picking up a couple of key wickets to get things going.
Boulty backs it up
Selling for one million dollars in the IPL action on Monday was always going to heap the pressure onto Trent Boult. The champion left armer stood up when it counted at Hagley Oval, claiming the big wickets of de Kock, AB de Villiers (45) and Dwaine Pretorious for 50. Cometh the hour - cometh the man! Class!
Nail biting finish
After a period of 4-22, including the big wicket of the master chaser de Villiers, South Africa should have been done and dusted at 218-8. But they’re the best side in the world for a reason and Pretorius put the large Christchurch crowd on notice with some punchy rearguard action. His rapid 50 off 26 balls got the visitors into a winning position needing 20 off the last two overs… they needed 22 in Hamilton.
Clutch
The equation was tight and it was time for the BLACKCAPS big guns to step up. Boult clean bowled Pretorius and conceded just 7 runs from the penultimate over, leaving his good mate Tim Southee to defend 15. Southee avenged Seddon Park, delivering a stirling over of perfect yorkers, that left Hamilton hero Andile Phehlukwayo no option but to dig them out and turn down the single. T & T - CLUTCH!
Wellington
How good!? Saturday night in the capital should be a ripper! The series is level and two evenly matched quality sides are playing great cricket.. What more could you want … probably just the weather ;)
