Guptill's brilliance steer Kiwis to series-leveling win against Proteas

Hamilton [New Zealand], Mar. 1 (ANI): Swash buckling New Zealand opener Martin Guptill played a ferocious knock of 180 from just 138 balls to guide his side to an emphatic seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the fourth ODI of the five-match series here at Seddon Park on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 280 on a slow track, Guptill, who was forced to sit out the opening three matches through injury, steered down the chase with such an ease that the host reached the target with 30 balls to spare. The Black Caps looked never in trouble as Guptill dominated the chase, first with a third-wicket stand of 180 with Ross Taylor who made 66 off 97 deliveries. The partnership was the joint second-highest for New Zealand and highest for any wicket against South Africa. The swashbuckling opener hit 11 monstrous sixes, with at least three of them disappearing out of the ground. He now holds the three highest innings for New Zealand in ODIs after his 237 against West Indies in the World Cup and 189 against England. Earlier, winning the toss for a fourth consecutive time in the series, Proteas skipper AB elected to bat. The visitors posted 279/8 in their allotted 50-overs with De Villiers once again the top-scorer for the visitors, posting 72* off 59 balls. Leg spinner Imran Tahir was the pick of the South African attack with final figures of 10-2-56-2. The series is now squared at 2-2 and the two teams will now face each other in what could be anticipated as another thrilling encounter in Auckland on Saturday. (ANI)