NZ VS SA: Bedingham’s Stunning Century and O’Rourke’s Five-For Keep Fans Guessing

NZ vs SA: Bedingham Century and O'Rourke Five-For Keep Fans on Edge

NZ VS SA: Will O’Rourke’s remarkable five-wicket haul on his Test debut revitalized New Zealand’s position in the match following David Bedingham’s impressive century on day three of the second Test in Hamilton. After reaching 202 for 4, South Africa suffered a collapse, losing their final six wickets for only 33 runs in the last session, thus setting New Zealand a target of 267.

At the close of play, New Zealand stood at 40 for 1, with Devon Conway’s dismissal off the final delivery of the day bowled by Dane Piedt. With New Zealand requiring 227 more runs for victory and South Africa needing nine wickets to win, the match is finely balanced as it approaches day four.

Should New Zealand successfully chase down the target, it would mark the highest successful run chase at Seddon Park, surpassing the 210-run target achieved by Australia in 2000.

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New Zealand made early breakthroughs in the morning session, with two wickets falling to O’Rourke and one to Rachin Ravindra. Neil Brand put up resistance for a while before being dismissed for a 60-ball 34, leaving South Africa struggling at 39 for 3. Following Brand’s departure, David Bedingham and Zubayr Hamza provided much-needed impetus to South Africa’s innings. Bedingham, in particular, capitalized on Ravindra’s loose deliveries, helping South Africa accumulate 30 runs off his three overs before the lunch break. The duo, initially aggressive in their approach, adopted a more cautious stance post-lunch, especially against the swing bowling of Matt Henry and O’Rourke.

Interestingly, Tim Southee waited for 36 overs before handing the ball to Neil Wagner, who was making his return to Test cricket after nearly a year. However, Wagner needed just five deliveries to break the 65-run partnership as an eager Zubayr Hamza mistimed a short delivery, resulting in a catch at deep square-leg. Despite this setback, South Africa regained control, with Bedingham and Keegan Petersen forming a solid partnership.

Despite only being his fourth Test match, Bedingham’s clarity in thinking and approach was evident, perhaps influenced by his extensive experience of playing nearly 90 first-class matches. He showed aggression when needed and maintained a good scoring rate throughout his innings. In his 141-ball knock, he struck 12 boundaries and two sixes, displaying almost flawless batting.

Petersen, batting alongside Bedingham, showed proficiency against both spin and pace, maintaining a steady scoring rate during the middle session. Together, they added 98 runs for the fifth wicket, steering South Africa into a commanding position by the tea break.

However, despite South Africa appearing to consolidate their advantage, Matt Henry initiated a collapse. The downfall began with Glenn Phillips’ exceptional catch at gully, dismissing Petersen for 43 runs, thereby sparking the slide.

Shortly after, Phillips, utilizing his offspin, dismantled Ruan de Swardt’s stumps as he attempted a sweep shot but left his stumps exposed. However, the pivotal wicket once again came from O’Rourke, who dismissed Bedingham for 110 runs, with Phillips involved in the action once more. O’Rourke’s delivery, pitched at a back-of-a-length, induced Bedingham to cut, but Phillips stationed at gully was positioned perfectly to take the catch.

The combination of the additional bounce in the pitch and O’Rourke’s pace and precision led to New Zealand swiftly dismissing South Africa within an hour into the final session.

With a total match tally of 9 wickets for 93 runs, O’Rourke achieved the best bowling figures on Test debut for a New Zealand bowler.