Scores : SA 2/102 defeated NZ 101
NZ won the toss and elected to bat on a ground whose outfield was slower than the previous two games.
SA bundled the Kiwis out for just 102. Only 6 bowlers were used and the last wicket fell on the second last ball of the NZ innings. Mark Trafford-Walker (Man-of-the-Match) had the outstanding figures of 4/12 off 7 overs (4 maidens), Tim Pellen 2/18 off 9 overs (6 maidens), Dale Bateman 2/12 off 4.5 0vers and David Smith 2/21 off 9 overs. Kim Woods was once again very good behind the stumps and up to the wicket, taking two catches.
With the possibility that if WA were to defeat NSW, SA would then be equal on top of the pool with NSW, with a possibility of playing in the final SA determined to make the 102 run target as quickly as possible while losing as few wickets as possible.
This was achieved in just under 27 overs with the loss of only two wickets. Another solid opening partnership between Bateman and Paul Kerber, dismissed for 17 and 26 respectively. Darren Cheek (20* off 28 balls) and David Wenham (30* off 35 balls) saw the SA side home.
The team management had earlier tried to find out if the final placings would be decided by 'Quotient' or 'Net Run Rate'. However, this information was not provided to in time, and in fact, not till many hours after the game had finished.
It was disappointing that all teams did not have in writing, prior to the games beginning, exactly how final placings would be determined should two or more teams be level on points. Without this vital information, it is difficult for a team to make the adjustments needed to their run chase.
In the end, SA missed out on top place in our pool by 0.2 of a point. The reality of this is that, with the information about how the places would be decided, they were unable to make the adjustments to the scoring rate that might have seen them in the final.
However, all players contributed to an excellent win and the side looks forward to one final win tomorrow.