Hosts New Zealand dominated play against South Africa on Day 1 of the NZ vs SA 2nd Test at Hamilton. The Kiwis are already 1-0 up in the series against an inexperienced Proteas side. The visitors lost wickets on the first day as they finished at 220/6 at stumps.
NZ vs SA 2nd Test: Kiwis have upper hand on Day 1
The star of the previous game Rachin Ravindra was once again back to hog the limelight. The all-rounder grabbed three wickets in 20 overs, arguably the best bowler of the day for the hosts.
Proteas opener Clyde Fortuin was the first to depart, courtesy of being handed a golden duck by Matt Henry. The next to depart was skipper Neil Brand, after he was trapped for an LBW by William O’Rourke to give him his first wicket in his 3rd over.
Raynard van Tonder (32) was South Africa’s second highest run-getter with the bat on Day 1. His well-paced 71-ball innings was stopped in its tracks after Neil Wagner sent him packing off a catch by Tom Latham.
Zubayr Hamza looked like he was just trying to survive at the crease, as he took on the Kiwi bowlers. He lasted for 99 deliveries, scoring only 20 runs in the process as Rachin struck.
The all-rounders next victim was the visitors’ best bet – David Bedingham. The Proteas batter stood tall with a 39-run knock before Ravindra delivered the second blow. He played out 102 deliveries before he was caught by Will Young off Ravindra. Keegan Petersen (2) soon became the all-rounder’s third victim.
Ruan de Swardt then steadied the ship for the side, scoring a gritty fifty. He took 115 deliveries to reach his half-century. Swardt stitched a crucial partnership with Shaun von Berg as the duo anchored the innings for the side.
Editor's Pick
Top Stories
