With just a total of 41 overs of play possible on the first Day at Hamilton, it is safe to say that New Zealand had the bragging rights after the end of play. After losing three key players to injuries in the form of Ross Taylor, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, the hosts entered the third Test needing some inspiration.
They got some immensely as the New Zealand new ball bowlers responded in style by dismissing both the openers with just 5 on board. South African opener Theunis De Bruyn, who was roped in as a replacement for the underperforming Stephen Cook, began his international career on a disastrous note as he was dismissed for a duck.
Pacer Matt Henry, who made a comeback to the side was on the money straight away as he bowled a hostile first spell. Hashim Amla and JP Duminy got together for the fourth wicket and soon after raising their fifty run stand, the latter was dismissed by Matt Henry.
In the meanwhile, Amla notched up a much-needed half-century which included nine lovely boundaries. For Amla, the last few overseas assignments have been atrocious as he has miserably struggled for runs. This knock could well be the momentum he needs for the near future.
Amla, however, was dismissed exactly on 50 as Colin de Grandhomme castled him up. From there on, skipper Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma quietly got South Africa to some sort of safety with the score being 123-4 in 41 overs.
With conditions remaining good for bowlers, the first hour tomorrow could be very critical. For South Africa, du Plessis holds the key as his wicket could well trigger a collapse.