New Zealand and South Africa continued their ongoing second Test clash at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Day 1 of the clash ended with South Africa having scored 220 runs on the board with the loss of six wickets.
As the second day approached, Ruan de Swardt and Shaun von Berg opened the proceedings and attempted to further mount pressure on the hosts. However, New Zealand’s bowling attack did not allow the Proteas a minute of breathing space. De Swart scored 64 runs in 156 deliveries, whereas Shaun von Berg was sent packing to the pavilion after having scored just 38 runs on the scoreboard. Adding just 22 runs for the last four wickets, South Africa posted a total of 242 runs on the board in the first innings.
As for the hosts, Test debutant William O’Rourke was the highest wicket-taker, with four wickets to his name. Rachin Ravindra took three wickets, with Tim Southee, Mark Henry, and Neil Wagner striking once as well in the first innings.
Proteas’ magnificent bowling kept New Zealand in check on Day 2
Trailing by 242 runs, New Zealand aimed to put on a big lead going into Day 3 of the clash. However, South Africa had a different plan in store for the hosts. Tom Latham opened the innings for the Black Caps with a knock of 40 runs, whereas Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck.
Kane Williamson added 43 runs on the board, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 29 and Will Young scoring 36 runs. None of the New Zealand batters managed to go big and put a dent in the lead that South Africa put on for them to minimise.
After a brilliant bowling showing, Dane Piedt was the highest wicket-taker, with five wickets to his name for the Proteas. Dane Paterson took three wickets, with Tshepo Moreki striking once, as New Zealand were bundled out for 211 runs. Day 2 of the clash ended with New Zealand trailing by 31 runs, and South Africa will look to make the most of the situation and maximise their lead as Day 3 approaches.
Here’s how X reacted to Day 2 of the second Test:
They actually have a chance. I do fear a batting collapse in the 2nd Innings – Hopefully they make 180+ to make a game of it!
…. #NZvSA
— Harold Siyaya (@Haroldsiyaya) February 14, 2024
South Africa – 242 All Out
New Zealand – 211 All Out
NZ trail by 31 runs#NZvSA #TestCricket
— SAM1604 (@CricketNews1604) February 14, 2024
I can’t believe that they have taken a first innings lead😀#NZvSA
I can’t believe that they have taken a first innings lead😀#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/MlHxAe3w4u
— 𝙉𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙣 (@notabihour) February 14, 2024
— 𝙉𝙤𝙮𝙖𝙣 (@notabihour) February 14, 2024
Dane Piedt was the Star Performer of the Day.
Took 5 wickets giving just 89 runs.#NZvSA #TestCricket #WTC25
Dane Piedt was the Star Performer of the Day.
Took 5 wickets giving just 89 runs.#NZvSA #TestCricket #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/aCPW4Pwjqk
— IPL Scoop (@Ipl_scoop) February 14, 2024
— IPL Scoop (@Ipl_scoop) February 14, 2024
Devon Conway dismissed for zero.
His previous ten innings for New Zealand across formats before this:
29, 1, 7, 20, 0, 2, 11, 22, 12, 13.#NZvSA #RohitSharma𓃵 #BlackDay
Devon Conway dismissed for zero.
His previous ten innings for New Zealand across formats before this:
29, 1, 7, 20, 0, 2, 11, 22, 12, 13.#NZvSA #RohitSharma𓃵 #BlackDay pic.twitter.com/ac15q3sh9P
— Cricket Alerts 360 (@ShivanshTi8089) February 14, 2024
— Cricket Alerts 360 (@ShivanshTi8089) February 14, 2024
That 70 odd run Partnership between de Swardt & Von Berg could just well be the difference in this game. Remember SA found themselves reeling on 150-6 when those two came together yesterday. Just how vital was that partnership. Test cricket is a game of fine margins.#NZvSA
That 70 odd run Partnership between de Swardt & Von Berg could just well be the difference in this game. Remember SA found themselves reeling on 150-6 when those two came together yesterday. Just how vital was that partnership. Test cricket is a game of fine margins.#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/mErbJ3rnho
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) February 14, 2024
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) February 14, 2024
Outstanding last session from “Burnley” (aka the Proteas) who take a lead into their second innings. The last 5 wickets fell for 57 runs. Piedt with his second Test five-for was excellent and included the wicket of Williamson. Spin will define this Test. #NZvSA
— Ryan Vrede (@Ryan_Vrede) February 14, 2024
Kiwis concede a lead against a random SAffers bowling attack?🤣#NZvSA #NZvsSA
— 🔁 (@Tutterdotcom) February 14, 2024
South Africa 242
New Zealand 211
Dane Oiedt got 5/89 to reduce New Zealand to 211
could have been 190 All out too if not for Neil Wagner’s 33#NZvSA
South Africa 242
New Zealand 211Dane Oiedt got 5/89 to reduce New Zealand to 211
could have been 190 All out too if not for Neil Wagner’s 33#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/SIob2CGoM8
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) February 14, 2024
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) February 14, 2024
South Africa is showing tremendous fight even while playing without all its big players. Taking the first inning lead will be a huge moral victory.
Dane Piedt who played his last Test in India 5 years ago and struggled a lot took a 5-fer here😲#NZvSA
— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) February 14, 2024