World Cricket Live Weekly Update

Apologies for the break in posts, its been quite a busy week!

The biggest result over the past few days has undoubtedly been New Zealand's series win over South Africa. After winning the first ODI, it was thought New Zealand would struggle to maintain that form, but it turned out they did. Batting first, the kiwis made 279/8 in their 50 overs with Kane Williamson making an unbelievable 145* (his highest ODI score). South Africa did start off well in reply with Smith making 66 and Ingram 79, but incredibly a record five run-outs in the innings derailed the chase. Smith, du Plessis, Behardien on debut, Miller and Kleinveldt were all run out. The South Africans went from an imperious 167/1 to 252 all out, a collapse of 85/9. It really was an amazing win for New Zealand. This incredible series win broke numerous records including:

-Their first series win in South Africa
- First ODI series win since November 2009 *(excluding Bang/Zim)

The last ODI is being played today. It was expected that this match would be a dead rubber, but who would have thought that it would be heavy underdogs New Zealand to have the unassailable lead.

Meanwhile Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the 5th ODI in Hobart, thereby drawing the series 2-2. Hughes scored another ton - this time a remarkable 138 not out. Sri Lanka were in trouble at 108/5, although Angelo Matthews' 67 ensured some nervous moments for the hosts.

After this drawn series, Sri Lanka's tour finishes with a short two match T20I series beginning tomorrow at ANZ Stadium (Sydney), and then moving onto the MCG on Monday night.

Continuing on with the ODI cricket scene, India took an unbeatable lead in their ODI series against England by winning the 4th ODI by 5 wickets midweek. England batted first and made 257, with key figures Cook and Pietersen both making 76. India though made it three wins on the trot with Suresh Raina leading the chase with 89* at a strike rate of 112. This series win was huge for India after some poor form leading up to it against Pakistan. The last match is in two days time at Dharmasala.

With all this ODI cricket, I will post about the movement in the ODI rankings after the conclusion of the South Africa-New Zealand and India-England series'.