Dane Piedt and Dane Paterson delivered exceptional performances on Day 2 of the second Test as the young and inexperienced South African team secured a 31-run first-innings lead with a remarkable display of skill and determination in Hamilton. New Zealand suffered a collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 66 runs, resulting in their dismissal for 211 at Seddon Park on February 13.
Off-spinner Dane Piet, participating in his 10th Test match, achieved his career-best figures of 5 for 89, dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup with crucial dismissals of Kane Williamson (43), Tom Latham (40), and Will Young (36).
Recalled to the squad after a four-year absence and making his Test appearance, the 33-year-old spun a formidable spell around the New Zealand bowlers, leveraging his experience and capitalising on the pitch's assistance.
South Africa would have secured a larger lead if not for Neil Wagner's quickfire cameo of 33 runs from just 27 balls towards the end. The lower-order batter swung his bat at every opportunity, ensuring New Zealand surpassed the 200-run mark.
Losing Kane Williamson, who has been prolific in scoring centuries in the ongoing Test series, was a significant setback for New Zealand as he was caught at short-leg by van Tonder. Piedt shouldered the responsibility of the inexperienced bowling attack and troubled the New Zealand batsmen with his sharp spin.
Great spell of bowling from Dane Piet
GREAT DAY FOR PROTEAS
"It was a great day of cricket for South Africa and the Proteas," Dane Piedt expressed his delight regarding South Africa's comeback following their defeat by 281 runs in the first Test.
"Very proud of how everyone put their hand up and competed. We know we are on the back foot all the time and we just tried to take those windows of opportunity and fortunately, it went our way."
Meanwhile, pacer Dane Paterson, in his fourth Test appearance, got three wickets, dismissing opener Devon Conway and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, whose struggle for form persisted.
Rachin Ravindra, the double centurion from the first Test, was dismissed for 29 after playing onto his stumps from Tshepo Moreki. The emerging fast bowler was recognized for his steady performance, delivering 13 overs with 4 maidens and conceding just 32 runs.
Williamson emerged as the top-scorer for New Zealand, who experienced a dramatic collapse after reaching 145 for 3. Despite Ravindra and Will Young's promising partnership of 59 runs for the 4th wicket, New Zealand's hopes of securing a significant lead were dashed as they were dismissed for 211.
Earlier in the day, South Africa only managed to add 22 runs to their overnight score of 220 for 6. William O'Rourke made an impact by claiming 4 wickets in the lower order. The debutant even secured a hat-trick by dismissing top-scorer Ruan de Swardt (64) and Dane Paterson in consecutive deliveries.
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