Seddon Park witnessed a fascinating day of Test cricket as South Africa set New Zealand a challenging target of 267 in the NZ vs SA second Test. Kyle Bedingham, who is playing just his third Test, scored his maiden century to lift a rookie South Africa from a precarious position.
The batter was well supported by Zubayr Hamza (17) and Keegan Petersen (43), who made valuable contributions. However, the hosts fought back with the ball, as debutant Will ORourke claimed a five-wicket haul and Neil Wagner broke the crucial partnership between Hamza and Bedingham. South Africa lost their last six wickets for just 33 runs and were bowled out for 235.
New Zealand had a tricky session to negotiate before stumps and they lost their opener Devon Conway to Dane Piedt’s off-spin. Conway had survived a testing spell from the pacers but was trapped lbw by Piedt for 17. New Zealand ended the day at 40 for 1, needing another 227 runs to win the match and the series. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson were unbeaten at the crease and will resume the chase on the fourth day.
South Africa will hope to strike early and put pressure on the hosts, who are eyeing a record chase at this venue.
Earlier, Dane Piedt took 5-89 as South Africa bowled out a star-studded New Zealand for 211 to take a 31-run first-innings lead on the second day of the Test.
