MARK GEENTY - © Fairfax NZ News

South Africa have got White Lightning back in their corner and they're loving it.

Zimbabwe's top-order batsmen gave the Black Caps a terrifying workout ahead of the much-anticipated South African showdown.

HAMISH BIDWELL - © Fairfax NZ News

Central Districts manager Lance Hamilton summed up the feeling of Stags everywhere.

MATT RICHENS - © Fairfax NZ News

The Canterbury Wizards are hopeful and confident of taking a scalp of big-game proportions today.

In a career of numerous highlights, departing Central Districts pace bowler labelled the one-day final win over Auckland his most emotional.

MATT RICHENS - © Fairfax NZ News

Whatever the opposite of a rain dance is, you can bet Canterbury Cricket chief executive Lee Germon is doing it ahead of this afternoon's T20 match between South Africa and Canterbury.

IAN ANDERSON - © Fairfax NZ News

Dropped Northern Knights glovesman Peter McGlashan has taken his demotion on the chin and vowed to fight for his place.

Ricky Ponting has been asked to step back into the role of Australia captain after skipper Michael Clarke was ruled out of their one-day match against Sri Lanka.

IAN ANDERSON - © Fairfax NZ News

Zimbabwe bowling coach Heath Streak wants his side to emerge with a modicum of pride following the final match of their tour.

MARK GEENTY - © Fairfax NZ News

The Proteas have already drawn targets on the heads of New Zealand's key men. l Opinion l Woodhill confident

ED OSMOND - Reuters

Captain Alastair Cook's superb century and four wickets for Steve Finn lifted England to a crushing 130-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

MARK GEENTY - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: When the marketing people forecast South Africa's cricket tour going off with a bang, they probably didn't have this in mind.

AARON GOILE - © Fairfax NZ News

Northern Knights' coach Grant Bradburn says John Wright has no input into his team selection, despite BJ Watling being given the gloves and Peter McGlashan being cast aside.

IAN ANDERSON - © Fairfax NZ News

Upbeat Black Caps' assistant coach Trent Woodhill believes he's seen enough from the national side against Zimbabwe to predict a bold showing against South Africa.

STEVE LARKIN AND WAYNE HEMING - AAP

Australian captain Michael Clarke will miss Friday's one-day international against Sri Lanka because of a hamstring strain.

MARK GEENTY - © Fairfax NZ News

South Africa's coach Gary Kirsten has vowed his side will be on their best behaviour as they prepare for a verbal barrage from the Black Caps.

DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - © Fairfax NZ News

South African captain AB de Villiers said his Proteas need little motivation to take on the "street-smart" Black Caps.

MARK GEENTY - © Fairfax NZ News

South Africa's cricketers expect a less than warm on-field reception, but Wellington has turned on the charm.

IAN ANDERSON - © Fairfax NZ News

Martin Guptill has just one more opportunity to feast on cricket's minnows before the sharks come calling.

GLENN MCLEAN - © Fairfax NZ News

Evergreen Central Districts pace bowler Michael Mason chose the final match of his career to post his highest one-day score.