South Africa vs New Zealand 3rd ODI Series Cricket Match 2013

3rd Cricket Match South Africa vs New Zealand ODI Series 2013
Venue: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Date: January 25, 2013   Start Time: 18:00 pm IST

South Africa have a proud record of having never lost a match at Potchefstroom and they would this record to remain the same after Friday's encounter.

Nothing much has gone right for Gary Kirsten's men in the shorter format of the game.They have not been able to carry forward the form in Tests to the other versions of the game and have also lost the coveted No. 1 rank during the duration of the ODI series. Their plight has not been helped with the suspension of their regular skipper, AB de Villiers and the absence of Hashim Amla and Robin Peterson due to injuries. With Jacques Kallis also missing out, the top-order lacks the spark and quality that has made this team unassailable in Tests.

New Zealand were always expected to be more competitive in the shorter formats of the game but they have perhaps surprised even their biggest supporters by winning the series with a match still to play.

Hashim Amla complained of a quad-muscle strain and has been rested as a precautionary measure. Dean Elgar has been named as his replacement. Robin Peterson is out of the final ODI after receiving stitches on his webbing during the second ODI. Aaron Phangiso is expected to make his ODI debut.

New Zealand might well stick to the winning combination as they seek a rare series whitewash.

South Africa Team: Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Morne Morkel, Aaron Phangiso, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Farhaan Behardien, Rory Kleinveldt, David Miller, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Ryan McLaren, Graeme Smith, Colin Ingram, Dean Elgar.

ew Zealand Team: Brendon McCullum(c), BJ Watling(w), Trent Boult, Ronnie Hira, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Rob Nicol, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jimmy Neesham, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Grant Elliott, Kyle Mills.