After South Africa’s seamers ravaged the top order in Christchurch, Colin de Grandhomme, an all-rounder, made a determined half-century to help New Zealand win the second test.
New Zealand was under pressure at 157 runs for five at stumps. This is still 207 runs less than South Africa’s first innings total, 364.
De Grandhomme was 54, and Daryl Mitchell was 29. Their unbroken 66 run partnership had halted South Africa’s march on a cold, overcast day at Hagley Oval.
Mitchell stated that South Africa “batted well on a challenging wicket.”
“For us, it’s all about trying to put pressure on them and seeing what happens tomorrow.”
The Proteas lost the series 1-0, but they were pleased with their performance.
Kagiso Rabada, pace spearhead, took three wickets, and Marco Jansen had two. The pair were running through New Zealand’s top order following South Africa. They were out of the field before tea.
Jansen stated, “Tomorrow, we’re going to go hard. Try to make them play the most possible and force them to make mistakes because it is quite an excellent batting wicket.”
“The plan for tomorrow should be as tight and precise as possible.”
Rabada quickly eliminated both New Zealand’s openers. Skipper Tom Latham was caught down the leg side for a duck, and Will Young followed for three.
Jansen brought New Zealand down to 51 points for three. Devon Conway was left behind for 16.
Mitchell survived dangerously for his 78 balls. He survived two lbw reviews from Wiaan Mulder’s bowling and one in the final overs against third seamer Lutho sipamla.
Henry Nicholls, an in-form batsman, scored a fluent 39 for New Zealand. However, he trudged on ruefully after hitting Jansen to a trap at the backward point.
Rabada’s third victim was Tom Blundell, a wicketkeeper who bowled six.
South Africa began the day at 238 for 3, but it lost four wickets in the morning. The spoils were shared by Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, and Matt Henry.
After Jansen (37) and Keshav (36), the tailenders, Jansen and Keshav Maharaj (36), reclaimed the momentum with a valiant partnership of 62 runs for the ninth wicket. Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand’s top pacer, wrapped up the innings.
Wagner was the last pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, with 4-102. He dismissed Rassie van den Dussen (35), and Wiaan Mulder (14).
New Zealand defeated South Africa by two runs and an innings in Christchurch. They only need to draw the match to win their first series.
Victory would see Australia become the number one test side globally, and the Black Caps secure their World Test Championship defense with maximum points.
