New Zealand and South Africa kicked off their two-game Test series with the first Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from February 4. The clash began with New Zealand coming in to bat first after losing the toss and the hosts got off to a subpar start with the bat.
South Africa put forth a brilliant showing and dismissed New Zealand’s openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway quite early into the clash. Conway failed to go big, getting dismissed lbw by Tshepo Moreki. The star opener was sent back to the pavilion after scoring just one run in two deliveries as the debutant struck on his very first ball in Test cricket while Latham was dismissed for just 20 runs as he edged a length ball from Dane Paterson to give a catch straight into the hands of wicket keeper Clyde Fortuin.
However, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra stabilised the innings for New Zealand, showcasing their class to score their respective centuries and put the visitors in a spot of bother. Williamson finished Day 1 unbeaten at a score of 112 runs in 259 deliveries, whereas Ravindra stood unbeaten at 118 runs in 211 deliveries, scoring his maiden Test ton. New Zealand finished 258/2, with the duo adding an unbeaten 219 for the third wicket.
As for South Africa, Moreki and Paterson were the only wicket-takers on Day 1. New Zealand will look to mount the runs against an inexperienced South Africa and maximise their lead before they get to bowl.
Here are the best tweets from Day 1:
30th Test 💯 for Kane Williamson.#NZvSA https://t.co/QRpxGvh834
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) February 4, 2024
Incredible player Rachin Ravindra.
Maiden Test Century against South Africa #SAvNZ#NZvSA#INDvsENGTestpic.twitter.com/8SgyvRVMSq
— !BabarAzamTheLegend!💯 (@BabarAzamTheLeg) February 4, 2024
30th test ton for Kane 😍❤ #NZvSA
— Shamal Shingte (@ShamalShingte) February 4, 2024
Maiden Test ton for our New Southpaw 💛🥳#NZvSA #WhistlePodu
📸 Blackcaps pic.twitter.com/mGGEzPu7dj
— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) February 4, 2024
Kane Williamson now averages 55.10 in Test Cricket with 30 hundreds. His averages away from home 👇🏻
England- 30.53
India- 33.53
South Africa- 21.17
Sri Lanka- 26.71
Australia- 42.85(decent)#NZvSA
— Chernobog (@Chernobog_1) February 4, 2024
30th Test Hundred for @KanewilIiamson Mama the great 🔥🔥🔥 #NZVSA #NewZealand pic.twitter.com/W8ShCRPNhf
— Suleman tweets (@Suleman_185) February 4, 2024
New Zealand scored 258/2 on Stumps Day 1 at Mount Maunganui.
Rachin Ravindra on 118*
Kane Williamson on 112*
Partnership 219 runs.#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/HXZQss9CBb
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman) February 4, 2024
Kane Williamson is now averaging 55 in Test cricket…!!! 🤯#KaneWilliamson #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/l2xTjtEucO
— Muhammad Ali (@MAmir360AAK) February 4, 2024
Made my Sunday special already🥺♥️#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/C43Veze50X
— Addy (@AkModirocks) February 4, 2024
#Cricket #NZvSA New Zealand in strong position, day one, 1st test. 254/2 centuries for Kane Williamson & maiden test ton for Rachin Ravindra. pic.twitter.com/3CGSAsTYId
— Chris S.Dixon (@ChrisCsd1) February 4, 2024