New Zealand wins by 7 wickets over South Africa in a thrilling 2nd test
New Zealand appeared in total control in Hamilton on Day 4 as they needed to score 227 runs to clinch a record run chase and a 2-0 series triumph over South Africa. Kane Williamson hit an unbeaten 133, while Will Young remained unbeaten on 63, as the Kiwis won by seven wickets. In the process, Williamson became the fastest batter to surpass 32 tonnes in Test cricket. As a result, New Zealand easily swept the series 2-0.
South Africa won the toss and batted first, scoring a respectable total of 242 runs in their first innings. Captain Neil Brand led from the front with a tough 25-run knock, with Zubayr Hamza and Ruan de Swardt also contributing. South African bowlers responded with a stiff challenge for New Zealand. Despite Tom Latham’s strong start, the Kiwi batsmen battled against the disciplined bowling assault. Dane Piedt was South Africa’s standout bowler, taking important wickets to limit New Zealand to 211 runs.
With a lead, South Africa wanted to set a lofty goal for the hosts. However, they were unable to overcome the unrelenting New Zealand bowling assault, with Dane Piedt once again proving to be a thorn in the Kiwi batsmen’s side. Despite gallant efforts from David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen, South Africa managed just 235 runs in their second innings.
Chasing a modest winning goal of 269 runs, New Zealand’s batting power was on display as Kane Williamson led the way with an unbroken century. Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra helped New Zealand comfortably reach the mark with 7 wickets in hand.
Williamson reached his 32nd Test century, and he has now converted each of his previous eight 50-plus runs, just before the second new ball was taken.Young embraced the support role and handled the strain effectively, scoring 50 off 118 balls. Unlike in the first innings, when he went for 36 after taking the aggressive approach, he was patient and still reached the boundary eight times. He was caught behind by Shaun von Berg in the 62nd over with eight runs on the board, but the judgement was reversed on review.
On Day 4, Kane Williamson ground it out on a challenging batting wicket, scoring his 32nd Test century and stitching a 152-run match-winning partnership with Will Young in the last innings.
With the 2-0 series victory that awarded them the first Tangiwai Shield, New Zealand increased their lead in the World Test Championship points table.
The sadness in South Africa’s camp was palpable as the tourists squandered an opportunity to knock New Zealand out of the match in the second innings. Except for David Bedingham, none of the other hitters’ starts resulted in huge hits as they were all out for 235.
The South African squad is significantly under-strength because the most of its top players stayed at home to compete in a domestic Twenty20 league. Six Proteas players, including captain Neil Brand, made their debuts in the first test, and the second test team had just 51 tests in total, as opposed to New Zealand’s 436.
South Africa’s 1st Innings 242 (Ruan de Swardt 64, David Bedingham 39, Shaun von Berg 38; Will O’Rourke 4-59) and 2nd Innings 235 (David Bedingham 110, Keegan Petersen 43; Will O’Rourke 5-34) were defeated by seven wickets by New Zealand’s 1st Innings 211 (Kane Williamson 43, Tom Latham 40; Dane Piedt 5-89) and 2nd Innings 269-3 (Kane Williamson 133 not out, Will Young 60 not out; Dane Piedt 3-93).
