Another one-day international, another valiant last-wicket partnership, another loss for New Zealand.
Black Caps wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi featured in an all-too-familiar scenario as New Zealand fell to a 72-run defeat on Friday in the second one-day international against South Africa in Mt Maunganui.
The Proteas lead the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first ODI by six wickets at Bay Oval on Wednesday.
Ronchi starred in that game with an 83-ball 99, putting on 74 for the last wicket with Trent Boult.
On Friday, Ronchi introduced some respectability into the New Zealand batting effort before the Kiwis were bowled out for 210 halfway through the 47th over chasing South Africa’s 9-282.
Ronchi and Mitch McClenaghan, unbeaten on 34, put on a record 76 for the last wicket before Ronchi top-edged Vernon Philander to point for Faf du Plessis to take a well-judged catch.
The Black Caps sorely missed batting mainstays Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, both forced out of the South African series with injury.
Openers Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham lasted barely eight overs, Guptill dismissed for 11 and Neesham 10.
Tom Latham (16), Dean Brownlie (20) and Corey Anderson (1) all fell within 17 balls, leaving the Black Caps 5-69 midway through the 20th over.
Ronchi came in early in the 25th over, with the score at 6-90, and managed to keep the run rate ticking over as wickets continued to fall. His 79 came off 83 balls, and included seven fours and a six.
Hashim Amla set up the Proteas’ win with his 16th century in ODIs, hitting 15 fours in a 135-ball innings.
He featured in three good partnerships, including 113 for the second wicket with du Plessis (67) as the New Zealand attack failed to produce enough pressure to force mistakes.
The Black Caps mounted a late fightback, claiming five wickets after Amla’s departure for 119 in the 45th over.
Seamer Trent Boult and allrounder Anderson each picked up two wickets in successive balls to peg back the tourists who, at one stage, had threatened to top 300.
Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum ended up using seven bowlers, with Boult, Tim Southee, McClenaghan and Anderson each getting two wickets.
The third and final match is scheduled for Monday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
