Faf du Plessis-led South Africa chased down 81 runs with eight wickets in hand to draw the first blood in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. With the win, the Proteas now lead the three-match series 1-0 with one to go in Hamilton.
South Africa owned the day (Saturday), completely. After Morne Morkel got out on a well-made 40, the visitors were quick in pressurizing the batting side. Forget seamers in such wet conditions, it was the slow left-arm bowler Keshav Maharaj, who turned out to be the wrecker in chief.
Keeping aside Jeet Raval’s resilient 80 off 174 balls, no other New Zealand batsman stepped up to the plate. Maharaj, who picked up his career-best figures of 6/40, started the assault by removing the first innings centurion Henry Nicholls on seven. Later, he ripped apart the hosts batting line-up for a sloppy 171, giving the visitors a target of 82.
In reply, SA openers couldn’t start well as both Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar departed after making 11 & 17 respectively. Hashim Amla then brought his experience to the table by playing a subtle knock of 38* off 61 balls to see his side home. JP Duminy too helped the cause with an unbeaten 15.
For his remarkable spell, Keshav Maharaj was adjudged as the Player-Of-The-Match.
Brief Score:
New Zealand – 268 & 171, South Africa – 359 & 83/2