By GRAHAM REDDAWAY
Two of the finest young wicket-keepers in the world were on show at Eden Park yesterday when New Zealand evened the under-19 international one-day series with South Africa after a win in the third and final match by 19 runs.
Captain Brendon McCullum was the star of the New Zealand effort of 239 with an innings of 44 from 23 balls. With opening batsman Greg Todd (50), he added 66 for the third wicket to get the New Zealand innings back on track after the first two wickets had gone for seven.
McCullum then displayed very fast hands when South Africa batted and his two catches and stumping played a vital part in holding their spirited challenge at bay, the visitors being dismissed for 220 with 4.1 overs to spare.
The South African keeper, Zwelibanzi Homani, had test player of the future written all over him. He was brilliant when standing up to all except the express bowlers and he displayed plenty of grit and skill with the bat in the lower order.
South African opener James Schorn scored 93, his last 43 runs coming from just 22 balls.
The first match in the series was rained out and the second won comfortably by the South Africans.
Cricket: Keepers shine in final match
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