BOK BATTING ONSLAUGHT

New Zealand v South Africa, fourth one day international, Kimberly, SA
Sunday, 29 October, 2000
Article: Mathew Loh

SENSATIONAL South African batting has overshadowed the long-awaited success of the Black Caps' top order, as New Zealand's total of 277 looks fragile after a record partnership of 172, for the second wicket, between Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis.

Chasing 288 for victory the South African batsmen were in awesome touch with Gary Kirsten hitting a supreme 101 before being caught behind by Adam Parore off Chris Cairns.

Kirsten's style was matched by the punishing stroke-play of the multi talented Kallis, who just failed to emulate his partner's century when he was out for 97 off the bowling of Scott Styris.

The loss of Kirsten and Kallis in quick succession failed to slow the South Africans with Jonty Rhodes and Lance Kluesner maintaining the run-rate to have their team in strong position at 244-3 after 43 overs.

However New Zealand continued to fight and the pressure was placed on SA at 247-4 when Kluesner, 9, was caught by Fleming off the bowling of Styris.

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