New Zealand started strongly in response to South Africa’s 242, reaching 145 for 3 before collapsing to 211 on the second day in Hamilton. Dane Piedt, playing his first Test since 2019, claimed his best figures of 5 for 89, putting South Africa in a commanding position with a 31-run lead. The collapse saw New Zealand lose their last seven wickets within 68 runs.
The downfall began with Tshepo Moreki dismissing Rachin Ravindra, followed by Tom Blundell playing on against Dane Paterson. Piedt then removed Glenn Phillips, and Will Young, struggling amidst wickets falling, was caught at long-on. Tim Southee edged to first slip but was dropped, eventually falling to Paterson. A run-out and Neil Wagner’s resistance brought the total to 211 before Piedt completed his five-for by dismissing Wagner.
In the morning session, South Africa added only 22 runs to their overnight total, reaching 242. Debutant Will O’Rourke played a pivotal role, breaking the seventh-wicket stand and taking four wickets. New Zealand’s batting struggled initially as Paterson dismissed Devon Conway for a duck in the first over. However, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson steadied the ship with a patient partnership, scoring boundaries after a cautious start. Piedt removed Latham and Williamson, but Ravindra and Young rebuilt the innings.
Despite a strong position, New Zealand’s collapse, triggered by Piedt’s spin, shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favor. Piedt’s spin prowess, combined with O’Rourke’s debut performance, positions South Africa advantageously in the Test. The fluctuations in both teams’ performances set the stage for an intriguing contest heading into the next day.
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