Martin Guptill returned from injury with a record-breaking unbeaten 180 off 138 balls as New Zealand defeated South Africa by seven wickets to level the One-Day International series in Hamilton writes ICC.
Guptill's knock, which included 15 fours and 11 sixes, was the highest by a New Zealander in an ODI chase and helped the side chase down the 280-run target set by South Africa with five overs to spare in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park.
It was a strong response from New Zealand after the 159-run loss in the previous game, levelling the five-match series 2-2 and setting up a decider in Auckland on Saturday.
Guptill, who had been sidelined for five weeks with hamstring issues, looked in shipshape as he posted the highest-ever ODI score by a New Zealand batsman against South Africa. His 180-run partnership with Ross Taylor (66) was also a new benchmark against South Africa.
Though Imran Tahir picked up for 2 for 56 in his ten overs, Guptill negotiated him well and feasted on the extra pace from South Africa's seamers.
For New Zealand, Jeetan Patel had success, with similar figures of 2 for 57, but it was largely a batting paradise.
That meant South Africa's total of 279 for 8 -- made after winning the toss and opting to bat -- was never going to be enough with Guptill going bang-bang from the onset.
AB de Villiers, the captain, top-scored for South Africa with an unbeaten 72, while Faf du Plessis made 67, Hashim Amla 40 and Wayne Parnell 29 off 12 balls.
New Zealand did well to reduce the visiting side to 158 for 6, but de Villiers forged partnerships with Chris Morris (28) and Parnell to take the total past 250.
New Zealand leaked as many as 83 runs off the final six overs, with Tim Southee and Trent Boult the main culprits.
However, Guptill ensured that was a non-issue as he slammed 50 off 38 balls.
He was given out lbw on 62 but smartly reviewed the decision and didn't look back after that as he went on to make 100 off 82 balls, his 12th ODI century.
You can see New Zealand and South Africa in action against England in Cardiff this June, as the Kiwis play in the first two ICC Champions Trophy games in the Welsh capital, first England then Bangladesh. The first game is currently sold out, but you can still secure tickets for the Bangladesh clash. Following the ICC Champions Trophy fixtures England return in double quick time to play South Africa in the final NatWest International T20 on 25th June.
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