It took just over two sessions of play for South Africa to win the second Test at Hagley Oval, securing a thumping triumph to draw the series at 1-1.
In an eventful final day, the Proteas were on top of their game with the cherry in hand, as New Zealand battled hard but couldn’t weather the storm of pace and spin
New Zealand’s second innings resumed with Devon Conway and Tom Blundell looking to keep the South African attack at bay for as long as possible. Conway looked positive all along, and Blundell joined the party as both batters steadily piled on the runs during the first hour.
Despite a few loose deliveries, the Proteas bowlers kept it tight, but the Blackcaps duo were up to the task and continued to frustrate the visitors. There was a close call when an LBW appeal against Conway from Keshav Maharaj was turned down, but it was a momentary disappointment.
Lutho Sipamla hustled Conway for pace with a fast, full delivery, and beat his attempted flick. Conway was trapped plumb in front, and that was the breakthrough SA ever so desperately needed.
Blundell and de Grandhomme managed to make it to lunch unscathed, but the reintroduction of Marco Jansen early in the second session proved vital. It was quite an eventful start, as a top-edged sweep from de Grandhomme could’ve been a straightforward catch for Rassie van der Dussen at fine leg, but it was dropped. In the very next over, a stifled pull shot from Blundell ballooned in the air and Temba Bavuma held on to the catch at midwicket.
Jansen took two wickets in two overs, as de Grandhomme anticipated a short ball but pulled it uppishly to Wiaan Mulder at leg gully. The left-armer continued to impress, as Kyle Jamieson was the next to fall to another of Jansen’s bumpers.
The bouncer barrage was doing the trick for SA, as Kagiso Rabada claimed the ninth wicket when Southee couldn’t get enough power behind a despairing pull shot. It was all but over, but Neil Wagner and Matt Henry were able to negotiate another 7 overs with the situation intact.
However, the game took another turn when inclement weather brought about an early tea break with nearly 40 overs of play remaining. There was a light drizzle for around half an hour, but the rain intensified soon enough to force everyone off the field.
Much to South Africa’s relief, it was a passing shower and the covers were removed right at the close of the tea break, allowing for a full third session.
The tension was short-lived, as Keshav Maharaj returned to snare Matt Henry in front. The NZ #11 reviewed it, but he missed a full, straight delivery that would go on to hit the stumps. The inevitable was delayed for a brief moment, and South Africa rebounded from a rough first game to tie the series.
It truly was a fabulous collective performance from the bowlers, as three bowlers – Rabada, Jansen, and Maharaj – each took three wickets, while Sipamla and Mulder continued to ask questions with their probing lines and lengths.
SA 364 + 354/9d
NZ 293 + 227 (Conway 92 – Rabada 3/46, Jansen 3/63, Maharaj 3/75)
