New Zealand's batters looked in complete disarray in front of South Africa's lethal bowling attack as Kiwis suffered a nine-wicket humiliation in the T20 World Cup's warm-up clash on Monday (October 17).
The Kiwis were first shot down for just 98 by the Proteas bowlers. And then Rilee Rossouw scored 32-ball unbeaten 54 to take South Africa home in just 11.2 overs. The Kiwi pacers were punished by the South African batters as Reeza Hendricks & Rilee Rossouw added 66 runs in just 6 overs before the former was out for 27.
Earlier the Kiwis were shot down for just 98 by Proteas bowlers. None of their batsman could stay long on the wicket. Keshav Maharaj picked three and Tabraiz Shamsi took two wickets followed by Wayne Parnell's two wickets as Martin Guptill was the top scorer for New Zealand with 26 off 23.
For New Zealand, Martin Guptill and Glenn Phillips scored 26 and 20 respectively, but apart from that, their batters failed to make much of an impact.
The Proteas, who are due to commence their World Cup campaign against a qualifier on Sunday in Hobart, triumphed without Quinton de Kock, who was rested, and skipper Temba Bavuma, who is being eased into training with a view to playing in their final warm-up game against Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Last year's World Cup runners-up New Zealand, who will face Australia in the tournament opener on Saturday at the SCG, struggled throughout with the bat, with Martin Guptill top scoring with 26.
Wayne Parnell (8/2 from two overs) removed opener Finn Allen and skipper Kane Williamson cheaply within the opening three overs. The Black Caps threatened to rebuild until Glenn Phillips fell for 20 skying a drive to Marco Jansen off Tabraiz Shamsi, prompting a collapse of 45/8.
There was little resistance after Guptill was trapped LBW trying to sweep from Maharaj for 26 from 23 deliveries, as Shamsi finished with 6-2 from his three overs including a rare maiden.
The Proteas made light work of the chase, with Rossouw's unbeaten 54 coming from 32 balls with nine fours and one six, while Reeza Hendricks added 27 from 24 deliveries.
Parnell responds with blistering spell
South Africa's attack was on song, led by Parnell who managed nine dot balls despite only being used for two overs up front. Allen had blasted Parnell for a maximum with the first ball of the game but the left-armer fought back with a spell which set the tone.
Rilee Rossouw (54*) led the chase as we claim victory in the warm up game against New Zealand.
Earlier, Keshav Maharaj (3/17), Tabraiz Shamsi (2/6) and Wayne Parnell (2/8) stood out with the ball