It was a lively green top at Christchurch, and the Blackcaps won the toss and opted to bowl first. Given the conditions, it was a strategic decision to send the Proteas in to bat first.
Tentative batting and probing spells from the bowlers summed up the majority of the first session. Matt Henry dismissed SA skipper Dean Elgar, when he loosely prodded at one outside off and nicked to first slip.
Sarel Erwee, the debutant opener, played a couple of fluent strokes, but the introduction of the resident wicket-taker Kyle Jamieson brought about his dismissal. The worst was yet to come, as a double strike from Matt Henry in the 19th over sent back Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen. New Zealand have been clinical so far on the field in addition to their bowling – all catching opportunities in the cordon have been safely pouched.
Despite the runs drying up, Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza have safely navigated through the remaining overs to the lunch break.
SA 44/4 (Matt Henry 3/16)
