Villiers helps South Africa to 112-run win

NEWLANDS, Nov 28: AB de Villiers lashed a sensational century as South Africa beat England by 112 runs in the third one-day international at Newlands on Friday to level the series at 1-1.

De Villiers showed skill and superb control as he reached a hundred in just 75 balls, the second fastest by a South African and ended with 121 off 85 deliveries as the home side smashed 354 for six, their highest score against England and equalling their best at Newlands. South Africa’s previous highest total against England was 311 for seven in East London in 2004/5. The fastest one-day century for South Africa is in 44 balls by Mark Boucher against Zimbabwe in 2006. South Africa won the toss and openers Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla ensured they made a flying start with a stand of 107 off 111 balls. Captain Smith was bowled by Luke Wright for 54 off 56 deliveries, while Amla batted with application and wristy elegance through to the 32nd over when he edged Stuart Broad to wicketkeeper Matt Prior for 86. De Villiers reached his century in the 44th over and went on to make the highest score by a South African against England, beating the 118 Herschelle Gibbs made in Durban in 2005. The 25-year-old shared in stands of 94 with Amla and 95 with Alviro Petersen (51 not out) as South Africa made full use of the powerplay overs. Broad claimed four wickets for England, but was punished for 71 runs in his 10 overs. England openers Andrew Strauss and Luke Wright played some breathtaking strokes as they raced to 41 in 5.3 overs, but returning fast bowlers Wayne Parnell and Morne Morkel then reduced the visitors to 58 for three. Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood shared a gritty 84-run partnership until part-time off-spinner JP Duminy removed Pietersen, sweeping a ball back on to his stumps, for 45.

Bond propels NZ to win over Pakistan

DUNEDIN, Nov 28: Riding on comeback star Shane Bond’s brilliant match figures of 8/153, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 32 runs in the first Test.

Bond, who was declared Man-of-the-match, almost matched his first innings performance by claiming three wickets in the second innings.

Bond was ably supported by Iain O’Brien, 3/63, and Chris Martin, who took 2/45.

For Pakistan, it was debutant Umar Akmal who once again showed promise with the bat by top scoring with 75 runs. Though his team lost the match, Akmal made his way into the record books by becoming only the ninth Test player to compile a century and half-century on debut.

Needing just 251 runs to win, none of the Pakistani batsmen stayed at the crease for long. Captain Mohammad Yousuf offered some resistance, but he too fell after making 41.

Former captain Shoaib Malik (32) and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal (27) tried their best to prevent the Kiwis from taking the lead in the three-match series, but the harm was already done as none of the top three batsmen could even cross double figure.

The last three batsmen tried their best to avoid the inevitable for nine overs, but the difficult task was made harder by some intelligent bowling changes by Daniel Vettori, who shuffled his resources remarkably well making the Pakistani batsmen’s task harder. Earlier, resuming the day on 147/8, the Black Caps managed to add just eight runs before being bowled out for 153. Ross Taylor top scored making 59 runs, while Tim McIntosh was the second top scorer making 31.The second Test starts in Wellington on Thursday. (Agencies)