Home
New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls scored his eighth Test century on the second day of the first Test, played against South Africa. But it was not just Henry who turned out to be a prominent figure for the hosts as later, Matt Henry became the first no. 11 player to score a half century after picking up seven wickets.
Superb bowling
But it was not only New Zealand batting that turned out to be clinical but their bowling attack also did a splendid job as they dismissed three South Africa batters conceding just four runs, in second innings.
On the other hand, the visitors had a terrible day as they needed to bowl 117.5 overs and conceded 487 runs to bundle out New Zealand in the first innings. Their lack of discipline in their bowling was clearly visible as South African bowlers conceded 7 runs as no balls.
In terms of fielding as well, the South Africa team had a dismal outing as they dropped Nicholls twice on 5 and 24. Nicholls eventually went on to score 105 runs off 163 balls. His innings was comprised of 11 boundaries. Neil Wagner fell one run short of his half century.
Later, Kiwi wicketkeeper Tom Blundell scored 96 runs to help New Zealand in reaching a giant total.
New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (45 runs off 42 balls) and Matt Henry (58 not out off 68 balls) also exhibited brilliant batting display to put the visitors under more pressure.
For South Africa, their pacer Duanne Olivier picked up three wickets as Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram claimed two wickets each, in the first innings.
South Africa batting
In reply, New Zealand bowlers continued their superb bowling display as their pacer Tim Southee bagged two early wickets to dismiss Sarel Erwee (0 off 2 balls) and Aiden Markram (2 runs off 11 balls).
Matt Henry, on the other hand, bagged the crucial wicket of South Africa skipper Dean Elgar (0 off 9 balls) as the Proteas were put under immense pressure.
The visitors ended the day’s play with 34 runs on board. The Proteas are still 353 runs behind and will need a terrific turnaround in order to script a major comeback in the first Test.
