I'm off for a bit, Gnasher will start you off with the chase when it begins.

Dougal: ""289 is just about par and a little worrying against South Africa - five out of nine first innings totals on this ground have been 300+ and the last one saw NZ put on 341. " Pretty misleading stat that considering most of those scores have resulted in 100+ run victories. Highest score batting second is only 264." --- That's the other side of the stat, but there isn't quite a one-day batting line-up like South Africa's.

Mark: "Agree with John. I suspect those saying SA will cruise are probably nervous supporters trying to convince themselves. The pitch is holding up a bit and probably suits the NZ bowlers. They will still have to bowl well and SA have a good batting line-up. Should be a good contest that is probably fairly even. The first 10 overs may well be key."

Matt: "good point Neil, also of note is that Neesham's 3 50's are against India at Mohali, SA at CHCH and AUS at Canberra, all against either top quality opposition or in tough enviroments."

John: "For those saying SA will cruise to victory, remember the last game. They were cruising for a while, and almost lost. A couple of early wickets and I reckon NZ is ahead."

Jack Ward: "This is a watershed moment for Taylor, his first century against South Africa in any format. Hopefully it bodes well for the test series as he has finally proven he can play against South Africa albeit not the top bowling attack."

neil: "For those saying Neesham doesn't score enough runs. His record since 1 December 2016 - 9 ODI, 325 runs, average 46.42....just saying."

Phil: "About 30 runs short of a good score. On a pitch like this SA should cruise"

Chris: "Excellent strategy from Faf dropping the catch, or else de Grandhomme could have pushed them well past 320."

2.50pm So, some drama there at the end. Could've nearly fallen for 96, but Taylor managed to bring up that 17th hundred eventually. 289 is just about par and a little worrying against South Africa - five out of nine first innings totals on this ground have been 300+ and the last one saw NZ put on 341.
Regardless, their top order showed up today - 104 for the third wicket and 123 for the fifth. Good knock for Neesham, one that he has needed. This could be his coming of age.

South Africa didn't have a great day with the ball, bar Pretorious. Everyone else went at above 6 per over, or close. But they'll be happy and will fancy chasing this down. Pitch seems on the slower side, but the bounce is true.

4laps2go : "As Taylor approaches his 17 ODI century it is worth noting that only Martin Crowe compares with Taylor state-wide. Taylor's only real failing is the "flaky" ways he tends to get himself out early in his innings. He is one of our best ever. What a record"