South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd ODI, 5 Talking Points

Some sensational bowling by Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius helped South Africa clinch the 3rd ODI at the capital city of Wellington. Opting to bat, South Africa paced the start of their innings well courtesy Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis.

However, a double-wicket over from de Grandhomme pegged them back. A middle order collapse ensued and AB de Villiers was left stranded with Wayne Parnell. The skipper stroked his way to a fantastic 85 as South Africa moved to a challenging 272 on a difficult wicket.

Extra Cover: Stats: AB de Villiers becomes the fastest to 9000 ODI runs

New Zealand lost two upfront but it was Pretorius and Phehlukwayo that put them out of the game by picking up two wickets apiece in a wonderful exhibition of seam bowling.

Brief Scores: South Africa 271/8 in 50 overs (de Villiers 85, de Kock 68, de Grandhomme 2/40) beat New Zealand 112/10 in 32.2 overs (de Grandhomme 34, Pretorius 3/5, Phehlukwayo 2/12)

Run your eyes through the talking points of the third match in Wellington.

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#5 Quinton de Kock messes up yet another opportunity

Quinton de Kock is often appreciated for his ability to convert his half-centuries to hundreds. However, his conversion rate has taken a hit in the past few games with the southpaw trying to over-exert his dominance over the bowlers. Only one of his last four half-centuries have been converted to hundreds.

With the Champions Trophy scheduled for June in tough batting conditions in England, South Africa will need their set batsmen to make their starts count.

de Kock, however, needs to be praised for getting South Africa off to a good start despite losing his partner pretty early on a pacey wicket. The wicket-keeper is a key batsman for the Proteas going into another ICC event and needs to keep things moving after getting a start.

#4 de Grandhomme pushing for spot in the XI

de Grandhomme took two in an over

Colin de Grandhomme was not in New Zealand's limited-overs plans a few months back. However, the hard-hitting all-rounder has constantly commanded a spot with his performances in recent months.

While he played a handy cameo with the bat in the previous game, today de Grandhomme shone with the ball, getting rid of Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock in the same over to trigger a middle-order collapse.

The swing bowler isn't assured of a spot as New Zealand have enough all-rounders in the format in Neesham and Santner. They can only find room for de Grandhomme by omitting a third seamer in Lockie Ferguson or Matt Henry. Such performances, though, will go a long way in establishing de Grandhomme’s place in the lineup.

#3 de Villiers getting into his groove

de Villiers smacked a fabulous 85 to help South Africa post 271

The pulsating AB de Villiers hasn't displayed his best since his comeback after a long break from international cricket. But having asserted that his focus remains on ODI cricket, de Villiers needed to prove that he could be the force he was before injury struck him down.

Today, on a difficult wicket, with the Proteas in a spot of bother at 180/6, de Villiers took it upon himself to get the Proteas to a fighting total. The impeccable batsman stood out in an 84-run stand with Wayne Parnell as he led South Africa to 271, smashing an 80 ball 85 in the process. He also became the fastest to 9000 ODI runs, beating Sourav Ganguly.

#2 South Africa's middle order woes

Duminy's form is a cause for concern

South Africa may have won 12 of their last 13 games, but that does not mean they have no worries in the line-up. Their middle order has been held together by some dynamic performances by de Villiers and du Plessis, with Miller coming good on a few occasions.

However, JP Duminy's form has been worrisome as has that of reserve batsman, Farhaan Behardien. Miller too has looked far from his best since his comeback from injury although he looked fine in a stand with de Villiers in the previous ODI.

But going into another major tournament, South Africa cannot afford to have a faltering middle-order. There is little time to swap players so the solution seems to be to try and give the likes of Duminy and Miller more confidence. That will come by giving them more responsibility in the batting order.

Giving Duminy a game or two at No. 3 could give him some much-needed confidence before the Champions Trophy.

#1 Pretorius-Phehlukwayo choke New Zealand middle order

Phehlukwayo cleaned up Kane Williamson to trigger a collapse

If the Kiwis thought that getting through the opening spell of Rabada and Parnell could help them settle in, they had to think again. South Africa boast of some pretty talented young all-rounders and two of them came to the fore today, choking the flow of runs.

Phehlukwayo and Pretorius barely gave anything away as Williamson and Taylor, the two most experienced players in the Kiwi side, struggled to rotate the strike. Phehlukwayo eventually had Williamson chopping on to his stumps and Pretorius had Taylor trapped in front.

But the duo were not done and Phehlukwayo picked up Neil Broom's wicket for a duck while Pretorius cleaned up Santner with an inswinging delivery. The duo broke the back of the New Zealand middle order with some incisive and tight bowling.