9 best images from the 1st ODI between South Africa and New Zealand

South Africa beat New Zealand by 20 runs in the 1st ODI of the series to take a 1-0 lead. Opener Hashim Amla struck another century to take the Proteas total beyond the 300-run mark. Even though the Kiwis began the chase well, they lost too many wickets in the middle which eventually cost them the match. Here are the best images from the game:

#1 Sign for the future?

With Brendon McCullum’s ODI future not certain according to recent reports, Kane Williamson walking out for the toss could very well be a regular occurance from now on.

#2 Age? Doesn\'t matter

He is 36 years old, but that doesn’t matter to him. Strong performances in the domestic circuit have ensured that Van Wyk gets another shot at international cricket. He is opening the batting and keeping wickets at the same time.

#3 A rare sight

Indeed a rare sight! Hashim Amla stepping down the track isn’t, but him hitting three sixes in an innings doesn’t happen often.

#4 High enough?

Rilee Rossouw came in at number 3 due to Faf’s absence. He began in a nervy fashion, but went on to make his start count with a brialliant 89.

#5 Number 21

The run machine just keeps giving to South African cricket. He is now level with Herschelle Gibbs on 21 ODI hundreds, but don’t be surprised if he breaks the record by the time the series ends.

#6 The broken stumps

Not once, but twice! First it was New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan who broke it when he yorked Rossouw. But then he suffered the same fate when he faced Steyn while chasing the target.

#7 Middle order collapse

The Kiwis made a strong start and were placed at 148 for 2 at one stage. But then a middle order collapse put them on the backfoot.

#8 Williamson misses by a whisker

Williamson has been one of the most prolific batsmen in 2015 and narrowly missed out on another half-century by 3 runs when he was dismissed for 47. Javed Miandad who holds the record for most consecutive 50s will feel relieved.