Cricket Highlights, Feb 10: Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2025 (2nd ODI) – South Africa vs New Zealand

SA vs NZ (2nd ODI) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling second match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, played in Lahore on February 10, 2025, between SA and NZ. It was a high-scoring encounter where South Africa set a challenging total of 304/6 in their 50 overs. However, New Zealand, led by a strong batting performance, successfully chased down the target in 48.4 overs, winning the match by six wickets with eight balls to spare. 

After losing the toss, SA was asked to bat first. The innings began cautiously as Captain Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke took time to settle in. Bavuma, however, couldn’t convert his start and fell for 20 off 23 balls, caught behind off Will O’Rourke in the seventh over. Jason Smith then joined Breetzke at the crease and played a supporting role, scoring 41 off 51 balls before being run out due to a brilliant piece of fielding by Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham.

Breetzke was the star of South Africa’s innings, anchoring the batting lineup with a superb 150 off 148 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and five sixes. He kept the scoreboard ticking, forming crucial partnerships, especially with Wiaan Mulder, who contributed a quickfire 64 off 60 balls. Their partnership of 131 runs for the fourth wicket was the highlight of the innings, providing the necessary acceleration in the latter overs. Breetzke’s resistance finally ended in the 45th over when he was caught by Michael Bracewell off Matt Henry’s bowling.

Mulder continued to push the score beyond 300 but was dismissed for 64 in the 49th over. South Africa’s lower order couldn’t add much, as Senuran Muthusamy managed only two runs before falling to Henry, while Eathan Bosch (7*) and Mihlali Mpongwana (1*) remained unbeaten. Extras played a significant role, with 18 runs coming through wides and leg-byes. South Africa concluded their innings at 304/6, setting a competitive target for New Zealand.

Chasing 305, NZ got off to a steady start with Will Young and Devon Conway at the crease. Young couldn’t capitalize on his start and was dismissed for 19 off 31 balls, edging a delivery from Eathan Bosch to Mpongwana at slip. Conway, however, took charge of the innings and played a composed knock of 97 off 107 balls, narrowly missing out on a century. His innings was filled with nine boundaries and a six, and he played a crucial role in building a strong foundation alongside Williamson.

Williamson, coming in at No. 3, displayed his trademark class and control, crafting an exceptional 133* off 113 balls. His innings included 13 fours and two sixes, and he kept the scoreboard moving with well-timed strokes and excellent placement. Conway and Williamson put on a match-defining 187-run partnership for the second wicket, taking the game away from South Africa.

For South Africa, the bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s batting unit. While Eathan Bosch (1/33) and Junior Dala (1/47) managed to get early breakthroughs, the rest of the attack failed to make a significant impact. Senuran Muthusamy was the most successful bowler with 2/50, dismissing both Mitchell and Latham in quick succession. Lungi Ngidi (0/54), Tabraiz Shamsi (0/62), and Mihlali Mpongwana (0/25 in three overs) were expensive and failed to provide key breakthroughs.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s bowlers performed better in patches. Matt Henry (2/59) and Will O’Rourke (2/72) were the most effective, picking up crucial wickets, while Michael Bracewell (1/43) played a containing role. Ben Sears (0/65) and Mitchell Santner (0/62) couldn’t get wickets but maintained pressure in the middle overs.

South Africa vs New Zealand Scoreboard

South Africa– 304/6

New Zealand– 308/4(48.4/50)

Result – New Zealand won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Kane Williamson

SA vs NZ Playing XI

South Africa

Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma(C), Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne(WK), Wiaan Mulder, Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Mihlali Mpongwana, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand

Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(C), Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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