‘Quality bowler, even better human’ – Dale Steyn reacts to Dane Piedt’s five-for against New Zealand

After a humiliating defeat in the first Test against New Zealand, South Africa bounced back with a quality bowling performance at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Notably, after winning the toss, the Neil Brand-led side opted to bat first but couldn’t put up a show. Ruan de Swardt was the lone warrior as his 64 runs propelled the Proteas to post 242 runs on board in the first innings.

To make a comeback in the match and in the series, the visitors needed something special and that’s exactly what Dane Piedt delivered. Against a strong batting line-up of New Zealand, Piedt picked up a five-wicket haul, which restricted the Kiwis to 211 runs, helping South Africa take a lead of 31 runs in the first innings.

Alongside Piedt, pacer Dane Paterson too made the most of the opportunity. The 34-year-old picked up three wickets as South Africa would be happier of the two sides after Day 2. The hosts delivered with the bat in the first Test, which ruled the Proteas out of the contest but in the second match, the batters failed to get going, and if it continues, New Zealand might face trouble in bagging the series against a second-string South African side.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Dale Steyn was highly impressed with Piedt’s bowling in the second Test. Notably, the 33-year-old picked up the wickets of Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Glenn Phillips and Neil Wagner to complete his first international five-for in nine years. Lauding him for his incredible achievement, Steyn called Piedt a quality bowler but even a better human.

Notably, South Africa have never lost a Test series against New Zealand away from home. Head coach Shukri Conrad expressed his desire to keep the streak alive and as things stand, a good performance in the second innings can help achieve the target. However, the visitors will have to be exceptional with both bat and bowl as the Kiwis will come hard on their home turf.