Published: Mar 11, 2017, 02:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 16, 2017, 02:55 PM (IST)
Hello, good morning and welcome to CricketCountry’s live cricket blog and updates post for the fourth day’s play of the first Test between New Zealand and South Africa at the University Oval in the down south beautiful city of Dunedin. I am Rohan Arun Sawant, bringing you the live cricket scores and updates from the fourth day’s play of this riveting encounter. South Africa have managed a 5-run lead by the time the day’s play ended but they will have to apply themselves well to post a competitive target for the hosts. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD, New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test at Dunedin
Left-arm fast bowlers Trent Boult and Neil Wagner were New Zealand’s stars from the first innings. The duo will have their tails up and will look forward to take advantage of the early swing on offer. If they can restrict the South African lead to below 250, then New Zealand will sniff a victory. However, the injury to Ross Taylor is a major setback and may go on to haunt them as the Test progresses.
Day Three witnessed more intensity in what has been a close contest so far. Kane Williamson’s 130 gave New Zealand the lead, but South African spinner Keshav Maharaj ensured the visitors restricted it to 33 runs with his five-for. There was more drama in store when a fire alarm went off after tea. Play was stopped, and both teams had to evacuate the dressing-rooms and come on to the field during.
Both sides will have opportunity to set a firm foot towards victory on the fourth day. South Africa are a good batting unit and possess players who can take the game away from the opposition; the onus, however, will be on the New Zealand bowlers, spearheaded by Boult, to stop them from doing that. The three spellbinding days of play have set up the contest for Day Four, which only promises more excitement.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), BJ Watling (wk), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Jeetan Patel, Trent Boult.
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Jean-Paul Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel.
LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD, New Zealand vs South Africa, 1st Test at Dunedin
