New Zealand Vs South Africa 2017, Day 2, 3rd Test: Opening Stand Makes It Kiwi’s Day At Hamilton
Mar 26, 2017 at 12:25 PM
New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval began with a sense of authority and solidity at Hamilton in reply to South Africa’s first innings score of 314. On a track that had something for the pacers, the duo did well to negate the final session without any loss of wicket.
Latham in particular, displayed promising signs, as he looked like coming back to form. In his unbeaten knock of 42, the southpaw hit 8 boundaries. Ending the day at 67-0, New Zealand couldn’t have asked for a better start to their innings.
Earlier in the day, Temba Bavuma was the first batsman to be dismissed, after he and captain Faf du Plessis added 25 runs to the overnight score of 123-4. Du Plessis notched up a well made half century in testing circumstances, before he was eventually dismissed for 53 by Mitchell Santner, with the score being 190.
At 190-6, things looked grim for the Proteas, as the Kiwi bowlers could sense their prey. However, like this series has gone so far, wicket-keeper Quinton De Kock stepped up in some style to play a brilliant counter attacking innings.
Along with likes of Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada, De Kock kept the New Zealand bowlers at bay, and at the same time, scored his runs at a healthy rate. A quick fire 34 from the number 10 batsman Kagiso Rabada was priceless.
De Kock was eventually dismissed for 90 off 118 deliveries, as Neil Wagner ended his vigil. For hosts, Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Wagner picked up three wickets on Sunday itself.
Brief Score On Day two:
South Africa – 314, New Zealand – 67/0; Tom Latham 42*(82), Jeet Raval 25*(71)