South Africa v New Zealand
VB Series, Match 3
Tuesday, January 15, 2002

This is the first match where the result has gone the way I expected. But South Africa were pretty sloppy, and were lucky to get away with a win in the end.

It was a very similar pattern in both innings. South Africa started well, then cruised in the middle when they should have pushed on. They really ought to have got up nearer 290 after the start they had. In the end they only reached 257 because Mark Boucher slogged 30 off 19 balls.

And New Zealand did exactly the same thing. They were on target at the 25-over mark, but then seemed content to hit singles and pace themselves for the onslaught later. That was fine, until they suddenly lost wickets. Not only that, but they nearly let South Africa grab the bonus point as well.

Gary Kirsten hit his straps which was pleasing. It was a great innings from him. Herschelle Gibbs is on the verge of being in very good form - he just keeps getting himself out for 30 runs. But Lance Klusener has totally gone - I don't see any signs of his form improving.

Daniel Vettori bowled extremely well and highlighted a big difference between the sides. South Africa left out Nicky Boje and to be honest their attack looked fairly ordinary until the end when New Zealand collapsed. But that lack of a spinner could have been dangerous. Vettori deserved better than to be on the losing side today.

Stephen Fleming was impressive, both in his batting and his captaincy. He looked really up for it. The bowlers kept pitching it short to him, and he was playing the pull really well, but after Chris Cairns was out, he just lost it a little, played a silly shot and got out. Again, we've seen the two batsmen who were in and doing well get out - it's important in those situations that the batsmen who are set go on and finish the job.

We saw another opportunity to use technology go begging today. Cairns had a possible caught and bowled against Boucher right at the end of South Africa's innings. Now Cairns himself wasn't super sure that it was a catch - it was a yorker that came off the bottom of the bat. But it was the perfect chance to use the third umpire. The players are happy to take the good with the bad, but the New Zealand public won't be too happy about it - especially as Boucher went on to smack 19 runs off the last over!

New Zealand played some tense cricket and there were a few fumbles in the field. They need to settle down and play naturally. South Africa have looked wobbly as well, but today they got away with it. And then there's Australia, who are now talking about abandoning their rotation system and just playing their first-choice team. It really is a fantastic triangular series.

Ian Healy, one of the game's greatest wicketkeepers, is a commentator for Channel 9. He will be giving his verdict on each match in the VB series. He was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

More Ian Healy
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