New Zealand vs South Africa 4th ODI was the most important game of the five-match series. Since the beginning of this ODI series in New Zealand, it has been a back and forth fight between the two teams. For the second time in South Africa’s tour, the hosts have leveled the series which in turn has made the last and the final clash, even more interested.
After winning the toss, South Africa registered a target of 280 runs in front of the host, all thanks to complete performance by the whole batting lineup. From Hashim Amla (40), Faf Du Plessis (67), AB de Villiers (72*) to the lower middle order, consisting of Dwaine Pretorius (10), Chris Morris (28) and Wayne Parnell (29), everybody made their mark on the crease and added those substantial runs to the target.
A target of 280 runs is never considered an easy one, if not non-defendable but Martin Guptill had something else in his mind and handle sounded a holler that left South African bowlers in shock and fans like us in ‘Awe’.
Guptill faced 138 balls, smashing 11 sixes and 15 fours, and registered his 12th ODI hundred. His ball trashing, opposition-bashing, and record-breaking innings led New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa with a surplus of 5 overs, leveling the series by 2-2. Kane Williamson (21) and Ross Taylor (66) partnered with him throughout the innings and Martin Guptill ended up unbeaten with 180 more runs under his ODI belt.
While this defeat also dethroned South Africa from the numero uno spot in ICC rankings, it was Martin Guptill who ended up stealing the show with his performance. He was duly rewarded as the ‘Man of The Match’ and over the years, this phenomenal right-handed batsman has become one of the greatest ODI players in International Cricket.
Furthermore, New Zealand vs South Africa 4th ODI, has added more feathers to Martin Guptill’s cap.
- Martin Guptill is now the first batsman in ODI history to make three 180+ scores and that too in an unbeaten stand, 180*, 189* and a 237* being the three magical scores.
- Guptill’s 180* is the highest individual score against South Africa by a New Zealand batsman. The player broke his own record of unbeaten 145 that he made in 2013.
- In ODI chases, Martin Guptill’s 180 not-out is the 4th highest individual score, Shane Watson leading the list with 185 not out that the Australian all-rounder made against Bangladesh in 2011.
- Guptill now holds all the top three highest individual scores made by a New Zealander in ODI history (180*, 189* and 237*).
- During his unbeaten 180 runs innings, Martin Guptill smashed 11 sixes, becoming the only second player to smash 10+ sixes in an innings after AB de Villiers, twice.
- Out of the 280 runs target, Martin Guptill scored 180 runs, which is the fourth highest percentage of runs made by a batsman in an ODI innings.
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