It’s been yet another successful day in the office for New Zealand, as they have continued to pile on the misery for the Proteas.
David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen resumed yesterday, but a lapse in patience for Bedingham ended yet another encouraging start. Two balls later, Matt Henry trapped Ruan de Swardt in front. It may have been touch-and-go, but the ship was rapidly sinking for SA.
Petersen and Fortuin batted for nearly 18 overs for their 37-run stand, but the quest for quick runs drew the drapes on another burgeoning rearguard. It was all down to Petersen, and he got decent company from Duanne Olivier.
Unfortunately, a rush of blood for Petersen undid all his hard work, and 200 was out of reach for the Proteas.
This Test has been a gift that kept on giving for Rachin Ravindra, who claimed 2 wickets towards the end of the SA innings.
Surprisingly, NZ chose to bat again, in spite of having a colossal 349-run advantage.
Dane Paterson struck early to remove Tom Latham, but it was Kane Williamson who stole the show with his second century of the game. While Devon Conway struggled badly for timing, Williamson put on a Test batting clinic with confident strokeplay, notching up a quick-fire 31st Test ton.
The hosts are up by 528 at the end of Day 3, and in all likelihood, there may be an overnight declaration. It’s fair to say that the 1st Test is now a lost cause for SA, but on face value, the second innings is a handy opportunity to right the wrongs from the first innings. Stay tuned.
NZ 511 + 179/4 (Williamson 109)
SA 162 (Petersen 45 – Henry 14-6-31-3, Santner 21-8-34-3)