Amla notches ton before Proteas collapse

A superb Hashim Amla century set up South Africa for a big total in the second one-day international against New Zealand on Friday before a dramatic late collapse saw the tourists restricted to 282 for nine.
In a see-sawing match, Amla rode his luck before finishing with 119 off 135 balls after South Africa lost the toss and were put in to bat, with Faf du Plessis contributing 67.
But with the Proteas seemingly on set to breeze to a total of 300-plus, the previously lacklustre New Zealand attack kicked into life and claimed six wickets for 25 runs in the dying stages of the innings, including four in the last three overs.
Despite the horror late show, South Africa probably remain in the driving seat on the same wicket where New Zealand struggled to reach 230 in the opening ODI on Tuesday.
The Black Caps boosted their fast-bowling stocks with the addition of a fit-again Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan, but it began as a frustrating day for the pacemen due to a combination of poor fielding and superb batting.
McClenaghan had an early breakthrough, dislodging Quinton de Kock for 26, but Amla was allowed to survive an unusually nervy start to forge a 113-run partnership with du Plessis.
Amla had his first life when he edged Southee on five, only for wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi and Tom Latham in the slips to let an easily catchable chance sail between them to the boundary.
His second came two overs later when Amla skied a short Southee delivery but Dan Vettori failed to come in from the boundary to claim another gilt-edged chance.
Neesham, who was punished in his early overs, came back into the attack and coaxed an edge from du Plessis to finally break the dangerous partnership.
Skipper AB de Villiers came to the crease to contribute a quickfire 37 off 25 balls before Amla brought up his 16th ODI century off 127 balls, including 11 fours.
"He's been an awesome batter for us in the last few years and he's set the tone again in this innings," South African allrounder Ryan McLaren, dropped for this match in favour of batsman David Miller, said from the commentary box.
The 31-year-old finally departed in the 45th over when Southee clean bowled him as he shaped to try to find the boundary.
The Proteas fell apart in his absence, with Rilee Roscoe Roussouw dismissed for a golden duck, Vernon Philander out for one and Miller managing just seven before he was on his way back to the pavilion.
Southee, McClenaghan, Trent Boult, and Corey Anderson all took two wickets apiece for New Zealand.
Source: AFP