Third ODI washed out in Hamilton

New Zealand

Rain prevented South Africa from fulfilling the opportunity to return to helm of the International Cricket Council’s rankings in Sunday’s third and final ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday.

Triumphant in the opening two fixtures at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the South Africans required a third to leapfrog India for the coveted position.

Inclement weather, however, snubbed the tourists. Host captain Brendon McCullum had earlier won the toss and opted to field first in overcast conditions, with the opposition later moving to 157 for three in 30.4 overs.

Opening batsman Quinton de Kock cherished a commanding 80 not out from 94 deliveries, 11 boundaries included, while captain AB de Villiers moved to an unbeaten 33 after the relatively early departures of opener Hashim Amla, the left-handed Rilee Rossouw and the hard-hitting David Miller.

The recalled Matt Henry, selected ahead of the rested Trent Boult, proved the pick of the bowlers en route to figures of two for 40 in 80 overs. The Proteas XI, too, featured changes in personnel. All-rounder Ryan McLaren replaced the injured Imran Tahir – and fast bowlers Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell were picked instead of batsman Faf du Plessis and pace ace Dale Steyn.

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