The 2nd Test between New Zealand and South Africa continues to entertain, as yet another eventful day of cricket has gone by.
After securing a 31-run lead, the Proteas had to set a stiff target for the hosts.
The 2nd innings got off to a horror start despite a decent first 10 overs. Clyde Fortuin fell LBW to Rachin Ravindra, and a short ball from Will O’Rourke dismissed Raynard van Tonder cheaply, too.
Captain Neil Brand stuck around and scored boundaries at regular intervals, but O’Rourke had the last laugh yet again. At 39/3, SA were back to familiar territory.
However, momentum swung back towards the visitors as David Bedingham carried on from where he left off. The hard-hitting right-hander was severe on anything short from the spinners. Meanwhile, Zubayr Hamza showed good composure at the other end.
The 4th wicket partnership crossed 50, but the late introduction of Neil Wagner fetched NZ a wicket against the run of play. It was another surprise short ball, and an attempted pull from Hamza went straight to deep square leg.
Bedingham would soon reach a half-century, and Keegan Petersen provided priceless support when it was badly needed. The diminutive right-hander kept the score moving along with some delightful strokeplay, while Bedingham continued in positive fashion.
But then again, right when the Proteas looked to be in full control, an acrobatic catch from Glenn Phillips ended the 98-run stand. Phillips would also dismiss Ruan de Swardt 3 overs later.
The highlight for SA was a first Test century for Bedingham. At this point, he had made nearly half the total, but O’Rourke and Phillips combined to draw the curtains on a brilliant innings.
O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers for NZ, as he claimed his first ever 5-wicket haul, and an aggregate of 9 wickets. The tailenders were unable to add much more, and the final 6 wickets fell for 33 runs, leaving the door a crack open for NZ.
The beginning belonged to NZ, the middle belonged to SA, and it looked like NZ would bookend the day with an unbroken opening stand. However, Dane Piedt struck on what was supposed to be the penultimate delivery of the day. Conway was trapped LBW, and it was a badly needed breakthrough at the close.
NZ still have 227 runs to score, and it might seem like a long way to go. However, there’s plenty of experience in the batting lineup. Then again, this will be the highest 4th innings chase at this ground, if successful. Meanwhile, the Proteas will look to get regular wickets without allowing an easy escape route for any of the Blackcaps batters. Stay in the loop for an enthralling day 4.
SA 242 + 235 (Bedingham 110 – O’Rourke 13.5-4-34-5)
NZ 211 + 40/1
