AMLA, TAHIR STAR IN PROTEAS’ WIN OVER BLACK CAPS

Imran Tahir celebrates taking a wicket

The Proteas recorded a comprehensive 78-run win over New Zealand in their one-off T20 match at Eden Park Yesterday.

The Proteas led by Francois du Plessis lost the toss and were sent by Kane Williamson to bat first in a ground which holds terrible memories in their hearts.

Hashim Amla set the tone for the Proteas with his sixth half century in T20’s for South Africa. Despite being criticised in recent times for his decline in form, the opener top scored with 62 runs off 43 balls to help South Africa post 185/6 in their 20 overs. The 33-year-old opener with his soft wrists scored 9 fours and 1 six.

Faf du Plessis (36), JP Duminy (29), and Ab de Villiers (26) all performed well with the bat, while Trent Boult (2-8), and Colin de Grandhomme (2-22) were outstanding with the ball for the hosts.

The Black Caps response got to the worst possible start, with Chris Morris removing opener, Glen Phillips and Colin Munro.  Despite the Proteas score being described as small by the commentators, the Black Caps were bowled out for 107 in 14.5 overs

 Imran Tahir justified his No.1 ranking in limited overs (ODI, and T20’s) with match figures of 5-24. The 37-year-old leg-spinner proved yet again that the more you age, the more you perform.

Tahir claimed the wickets of Tom Bruce (33 runs off 27 balls), Colin de Grandhomme (15 runs off 7 balls), wicket-keeper, Luke Ronchi, was removed scoreless, Ben Wheeler (6 runs off 6 balls), and Tim Southee (20 runs off 6 Balls).

Speaking to Supersport, Tahir described the five- wicket haul as “a very special feeling.” By doing so he cemented his place as the no.1 ranked bowler in ODI’s and T20’s, and therefore putting himself in contention for 2018 T20 World Cup squad selection.

2016: THE YEAR OF BEAUDEN BARRETT

Beauden Barrett (IMAGE:PHOTOSPORT)

When All Blacks flyhalf, Dan Carter, called time to his illustrious international career at the end of the 2015 rugby world cup there were doubters whether 24-year-old (then), Beauden Barrett, was the right candidate to fill Carter’s big shoes.

There were also discussion circulating on the media on who was better to take over from Carter between Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden, it wasn’t long before Barrett’s impressive form made him the front-liner for the kicking reigns in the All Blacks.  Before we knew it he had cemented his place as the usual suspect in the 10 jersey rather than number 22.

Barrett, a man who had lived under Carter’s shadows knew he had finally got his opportunity to steal the limelight in the black All Blacks kit.

Apart from the Springboks decline of form, All Blacks’ dominance, England’s progression under Eddie Jones, the year 2016 wouldn’t be wrapped up without mentioning the name of Beauden Barrett.

The Hurricanes flyhalf was unstoppable throughout the season for both club and country. He scored a total of nine tries for the highlanders in the 2016 Super Rugby competition, and consequently led the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title in the 20-3 win over Emirates Lions in which he scored 15 points.

Despite being described as a bad kicker at times, Barrett’s bursting runs with the ball in hand has made him an extra special talent.  His impressive displays throughout the year were enough to crown him with the World Player of the year award, All Blacks Player of the year award and Super rugby player of the year award.

Barrett, the only man to score tries in the finals of a Rugby World Cup and Junior World Championship was also awarded with the Tremain Memorial Trophy (succeeding Ma’a Nonu in 2015) for his quality work with the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

To seal it off, he extended his contract with the Hurricanes with a further three year, and will run until 2019.

There is no doubt that more of the same performances from Barrett in 2017 would move him closer and closer to being the greatest flyhalf New Zealand ever had. It would be unfair to compare Barrett with Carter. Barrett has always relied on pace to make his decisions, while Carter’s kicking game is unmatchable.

At the age of 23, in 2014, Barrett had already reached 50 caps for the All Blacks, and now, has every chance of writing a name for himself in the All Blacks kit.