Kyle Verreynne’s 95, Zubayr Hamza’s debut half-century and a late onslaught from Andile Phehlukwayo (48 off 22) helped South Africa post 277/8 in the 1st ODI against the Netherlands at SuperSport Park.
The Proteas were sent in to bat after losing the toss in the first ODI against the Netherlands at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The wicket seemed to be difficult to read and required some patience from the Proteas batters, with a couple of deliveries getting stuck in the pitch. This was uncharacteristic to the signature pace and bounce that the Centurion-wicket is famous for.
South Africa found themselves in a spot of bother at 24-2 after 6.2 overs, having lost Reeza Hendricks and Janneman Malan early.
The WP Blitz duo, Kyle Verreynne and Zubayr Hamza managed to steady the ship by stringing together a 119-run partnership off 134 deliveries.
On debut, Hamza scored 56 off 79 balls (5 fours, 1 six) before attempting to pull a delivery that kept lower than expected and skied it for an easy catch by the keeper.
Kyle Verreynne continued to take the attack to the Netherlands, doing so by bringing up a career-best score, surpassing his 62 off 53 balls against Pakistan at the same venue in 2021. A highlight of his innings were two beautiful pull shots in the 31st over – one for four just in front of square and one for six clearing a similar region.
David Miller lost his wicket for a disappointing 12 off 18 and Khaya Zondo followed shortly after bowled by Roelof van der Merwe for 4.
Verryenne attempted to pull a low full toss and was caught at deep backward square. His innings ended on 95 off 112 balls (9 fours, 1 six). Wayne Parnell’s return to international cricket after 4 years was short-lived, as SA were reduced to 209/7 with 6 overs remaining.
Kingma was the Netherlands’ best bowler through the match, removing both Verreynne and Parnell, but Andile Phehlukwayo showed some metal against him with two beautifully struck straight sixes.
He continued his destructive approach, with two massive sixes in the 49th over – one over deep extra cover and one over deep mid-wicket.
In the final over, Phehlukwayo followed this up with a six over mid-off, a four through the covers, a hook shot for six over deep mid-wicket and was bowled on 48 off 22 balls (1 four, 6 sixes) thanks to a beautiful yorker from Glover.
SA posted 277/8.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
