NZ-South Africa ODI abandoned through rain

Rain has forced the abandonment of the third and final one-day cricket international in Hamilton, meaning South Africa have won the series against New Zealand 2-0.

The Proteas looked to be on course to set a challenging target, having got to 3-157 in the 31st over, when the players left the field at Seddon Park.

At the time, opener Quinton de Kock and skipper AB de Villiers were in the midst of an unbeaten 87-run partnership.

Wicketkeeper de Kock was on track for his sixth ODI ton, having struck 80 off 94 balls, including 11 boundaries, while de Villiers was on 33.

But the weather didn’t clear to allow play to resume.

Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum won the toss and had little hesitation in electing to field, expecting early assistance for the bowlers.

Although the pitch looked two-paced, South Africa made a quick start, which slowed with the loss of three wickets, before de Kock and de Villiers lifted the tempo again.

New Zealand gave Matt Henry his first appearance of the series, but the seamer struggled early with his rhythm, his first over costing 12 runs.

However, he went on to snare the first two wickets.

Hashim Amla, a century-maker in game two, got to 12 before mistiming a flick shot and being caught at short mid-wicket.

Henry then caught and bowled Rilee Rossouw for a duck.

Allrounder Jimmy Neesham was costly with his medium-pacers during a two-over spell, but managed to bowl David Miller for 17 to leave South Africa at 3-70.

The Black Caps’ most effective bowler was Tim Southee, who conceded 29 runs from 7.4 accurate overs.

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