Standard Bank Proteas batsman, Faf du Plessis, says the series-deciding fifth One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday will be an opportunity to put in their most complete performance of the series under the pressure of the occasion. The Proteas have had patchy performances with both bat and ball throughout the series, and will be looking to bounce back quickly following the seven-wicket loss in Hamilton on Wednesday.
The batting has been underpinned by the consistent performances from captain, AB de Villiers, who is the leading run-scorer of the series with 239 runs at an average of 119.50, but the glaring disappointment remains the lack of centuries from the line-up. The rotating pace attack has shown impressive moments of brilliance and temperament, and consistency as a collective will be key in the quicker Eden Park conditions. Du Plessis feels that the team has been firing at 65 percent of their potential, and hopes all the disciplines will click together for the big decider.Both teams have a lot on the line; a win will take the Proteas back to No.1 on the ICC ODI rankings – the team slipped to No.2 after the seven-wicket loss - while New Zealand will be looking to extend their run of eight consecutive home series wins.
The batting has been underpinned by the consistent performances from captain, AB de Villiers, who is the leading run-scorer of the series with 239 runs at an average of 119.50, but the glaring disappointment remains the lack of centuries from the line-up. The rotating pace attack has shown impressive moments of brilliance and temperament, and consistency as a collective will be key in the quicker Eden Park conditions. Du Plessis feels that the team has been firing at 65 percent of their potential, and hopes all the disciplines will click together for the big decider.Both teams have a lot on the line; a win will take the Proteas back to No.1 on the ICC ODI rankings – the team slipped to No.2 after the seven-wicket loss - while New Zealand will be looking to extend their run of eight consecutive home series wins.
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