South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 4th ODI, 5 Talking Points

A spectacular comeback hundred from Martin Guptill helped New Zealand overhaul a 279-run target on a slow Hamilton wicket. Ross Taylor and Guptill were involved in a 180-run stand to lift New Zealand from 77/2 to 257/3.

Earlier, South Africa lost quite a few wickets in clusters in the middle overs but AB de Villiers and Wayne Parnell steadied the ship. de Villiers played a huge role in helping South Africa to 279 which seemed like a fighting total at the time.

But a rampant Guptill negated any advantage South Africa had with a quick fire hundred. He proceeded to destroy the Proteas attack, amassing the second highest score in the venue and the highest by a Kiwi player against South Africa. He remained unbeaten as the Black Caps levelled the series.

Brief Scores: South Africa 279/8 in 50 overs (de Villiers 72, du Plessis 67, Patel 2/57) lost to New Zealand 280/3 in 45 overs (Guptill 180, Taylor 66, Tahir 2/56)

Take a glance at the talking points from the 4th ODI.

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#5 Jeetan Patel answers urgent call-up

Veteran off-spinner, Jeetan Patel, is often used as a stop-gap option by New Zealand these days. He was used in a similar capacity in India and delivered for the Black Caps then. With Sodhi largely ineffective, New Zealand turned to Patel to solve their spin woes.

He was given the new ball and immediately produced the goods by getting rid of Quinton de Kock for a golden duck. The off-spinner is known to relish bowling with the new ball and made it count on a dry wicket.

Patel returned to clean up a belligerent Hashim Amla off an inside edge to further justify his selection.

#4 Boult and Southee misfire

Southee could not get his yorkers or cutters right at the death

The usually impeccable new ball pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee had a horrible outing as both of them were smashed for 70 in their 10 overs. While they weren't given the new ball on a slow track, both started off on an expensive note as Amla took them to the cleaners.

de Villiers then pounced on some unimaginative bowling by the duo at the end. While Southee mixed up his cutters in the middle overs to help his economy, he mysteriously decided not to experiment too much at the death, and was taken apart by Parnell and de Villiers.

Boult, meanwhile, after appearing at his best in the previous ODIs, had a very poor day today, as he favoured a leg-side line which was easily dealt with by the Proteas batsmen.

#3 de Villiers at his best

A superb 72 from de Villiers went in vain

On a slow and dry wicket, South Africa were struggling at 158/6 when de Villiers decided to take matters into his own hands. He has been exceptional right through this series, acting as the anchor and playing briskly on difficult wickets. Today was different, though, as he ran out of partners quickly, but the captain remained unflustered and compiled another excellent half-century, the fourth since his comeback from injury.

de Villiers, who once again had Parnell for company, smashed three sixes and four fours in a 59 ball 72, remaining unbeaten till the end as South Africa posted 279.

#2 Guptill sizzles on comeback

Guptill hit 11 sixes in his 138-ball 180

Martin Guptill is a vital player for the Black Caps in the shorter formats and his absence proved to be a huge blow for the hosts right through the series. They had an out of form Tom Latham, and Dean Brownlie opening thus far in the series.

But Guptill's return from injury gave their top order a much-needed boost. The dynamic batsman celebrated his comeback with a spectacular hundred that came from just 82 balls on a slow wicket. He had the South African bowlers at his mercy and his calculated assault resulted in New Zealand chasing down a difficult target with ease. Guptill remained unbeaten on 180 as New Zealand cruised to victory.

#1 Ross Taylor plays perfect foil

Taylor gave Guptill good company in a 180-run stand

Guptill could play with freedom right through the chase only because of the stable support he received from Ross Taylor at the other end. The senior batsman was happy to play second fiddle in a 180-run stand.

Taylor ensured that South Africa did not get a breakthrough at the other end while Guptill was going about his business in flamboyant style. While the comeback man hogged the limelight, Taylor's knock was equally valuable.

Rosco walked in with New Zealand at 77/2. The veteran middle order batsman did not try anything extravagant and stuck to rotating the strike and keeping his wicket intact. He was eventually dismissed for 66 after taking New Zealand to within touching distance of the target.